August Matches and September Anniversaries

Big Brothers Big Sisters would like to WELCOME the following new matches made in August:

Emily Kachulis and Ayreka


CONGRATS to the following matches reaching their anniversary during the month of September:

Three Years:
Ashley Coleman and Lacey
Scott Kinter and Ivan
Monica Severson and Amity

Four Years:
Amie Steffeneicher and Haley

Six Years:
James Grandon and Damarius

Nine Years:
Amy Hunzelman and Craig

August Match Spotlight: Jazmyn & Marcie

Jazmyn's mom came to Big Brothers Big Sisters because she felt Jazmyn needed more positive encouragement and stability in her life.  Jazmyn was struggling in school and didn't have the resources that she needed to better herself in this area.  Marcie came into her life in the fall of 2012 and from then on Jazmyn has had a supportive friend that is there whenever she needs it.

Jazmyn and Marcie are in the School Based program, visiting weekly throughout the school year.  During their time together, Marcie helps with various homework assignments by making learning fun.  Jazmyn is thankful for this and noted that she always does better when she studies with Marcie.  They also spend time discussing friends, family and responsibilities.  Jazmyn always tells agency staff that she loves having Marcie to talk to because she knows that she will give good advice and will be there to listen.

Going into their third school year, Jazmyn is now in Middle School.  At the end of last year, Jazmyn told agency staff that she is not nervous about going into Middle School because her Big Sister will be visiting her there.  Having a stable friend in her life has boosted Jazmyn's 
self-confidence and has given her a more positive outlook on life.

Marcie has discussed with agency staff how much enjoyment she has had in listening to Jazmyn's insight on different aspects of life and getting to know her as an individual.  Marcie feels that Jazmyn has progressed greatly in some areas and hopes that she continues on this positive path into the future.

Help Children Soar!

Another school year is almost underway and we need YOU!  Big Brothers Big Sisters would like to ask you to consider mentoring a child in either the Community Based or School Based program and help kids soar in our community!

For as little as one hour a week you can make a difference and start something BIG! In the School Based program, Bigs and Littles meet once a week during the school year at the child's school.  Typically, Bigs and Littles enjoy spending time together playing board games, hanging out in the gym or playground, reading a book, assisting with school work and share in conversation filled with laughter.

The Community Based program takes place outside of school hours and can be flexible with Bigs and Littles meeting during the evening and weekends.  Spend time with a child out in the community exploring city parks, events, museums, athletic events and so much more!  Bigs and Littles in this program meet at least twice a month ranging from 6-10 hours each month.

Both programs require an 18 month commitment to ensure a long lasting relationship.  For more information on how you can become a Big, please visit our website at www.iowabigs.org or call 319-235-9397.

Join Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Iowa today and change a child's life for the better, forever!

July Matches and August Anniversaries

Big Brothers Big Sisters would like to WELCOME the following new matches made in July:

Melissa Pakala and MaKaylee
Scott Parsons and Evin
Tiffany Waller and Samantha


CONGRATS to the following matches reaching their anniversary during the month of August:

Two Years:
Matt Kiser and Jared

Three Years:
Michael Petersen and Logan

Five Years:
Pam Taylor and DaQuevian

July Match Spotlight: McKenna & Bob

Little Brother, McKenna, became a member of 

Big Brothers Big Sisters at age eight when his grandmother was interested in pairing McKenna with an adult in the community who could spend time with him as she was raising both McKenna and his sister.  

In 2008, McKenna was originally paired in the Amachi program through Big Brothers Big Sisters which focused on children of incarcerated parents. McKenna was able to spend time with his first Big Brother for a year before their time ended due to an unexpected move that occurred for his Big Brother.  Although, this was a difficult adjustment, both McKenna and his grandmother wanted to continue the search and remain in the program.

After a long year of waiting, McKenna was paired with Bob in April, 2010 and their friendship is still going strong to this very day. McKenna and Bob discovered early on their love of sports and can still be found racing go carts with each other and cheering on the UNI Panthers.

Bob has stood by McKenna's side through many life challenges and transitions.  Now age 14, McKenna continues to excel; finishing this past school year with a 4.0 GPA and is involved in many sports clubs in the community.  McKenna's grandmother is so very pleased with the successful friendship Bob has created with McKenna over the past four years.  When asked to describe their friendship, McKenna's grandmother will often say, "it's just perfect!"

Both Bob and McKenna have been able to learn from each other along the way and McKenna has hopes one day to be, 

"just like Bob!"

Park Night Fun!

Bigs and Littles enjoyed a perfect night in the park last night while enjoying walking tacos and yard games.  The evening ended with a game of kickball; Littles against their Bigs!

Thank you to all who were able to attend!

June Matches and July Anniversaries

Big Brothers Big Sisters would like to WELCOME the following new matches made in June:

Haleigh Weatherly and Keely


CONGRATS to the following matches reaching their anniversary during the month of July:

One Year:
Trent Duniven and Josh
Mark Graf and Antwan
Erica Jacobsen and Kalena
Christi Nebbia and Kiana

Two Years:
Ted Mikels and Cameron

Three Years:
Dan Hatala and Rylee
Meghan Winger

Five Years:
Jim Brown and DeAngelo

Six Years:
Michelle Temeyer and Dahzhanel