Match Spotlight: Jennifer and Caitlyn

Four years ago Little Sister, Caitlyn, was troubled with adjusting to her parents divorce, and having her family live hours away from one another. Caitlyn didn't know where to turn.  She needed someone who could side with her, be a listener, confidant, provide their unbiased opinion, but be a friend too.

At that point Caitlyn's mom, Terry, reached out to Big Brothers Big Sisters. Caitlyn was matched with Jennifer in November of 2008.  They had an immediate bond and from there their relationship grew.  They often would get their nails done together, chat over a warm beverage at Starbucks, hang out at the park, or take in activities provided by Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Over the years, this experience has provided Caitlyn with an opportunity to put everyday life, and concerns, on hold.  This was a time every week she could hang out with Jennifer and do whatever they felt like doing.  Their bond grew and Caitlyn felt comfortable sharing anything with Jennifer, whether they talked about boys, school, family or any issue that arose - this was exactly what Terry wanted out of this relationship for her daughter, and more.  "I love your program and it is very enriching...it is a wonderful way for a child to have a confidant.  I really, really think a lot of Jennifer.  She has truly enriched the life of my daughter!"

The confidence and support that Caitlyn has received from both her mother and her Big Sister, Jennifer, has made her feel she can conquer anything.  Caitlyn is a hard worker, maintains straight A's in school and is involved in almost every activity she can find: soccer, softball, choir, ice skating, gymnastics and much more.  Her relationship with her Big Sister helped to instill confidence and faith in herself to pursue all the things she dreams of doing.

Unfortunately, on the flip side of her high involvement in activities, Caitlyn no longer has the time to get together with Jennifer as often as they'd both like.  Despite their mutual desire to continue to maintain their Big Brothers Big Sisters relationship, their match needed to close a few months ago.  The relationship simply grew past the realm of Big Brothers Big Sisters, and they are no longer in need of the support and assistance with the formation of their friendship.

Their Match Coordinator says, "This is the best way for a match to close.  It's not that something was wrong, it's because everything was wonderful!"  Even though the match has ended it's time with Big Brothers Big Sisters, the friendship between Caitlyn and Jennifer will last a lifetime.  This experience has been a mutually beneficial relationship for all involved, and Terry is forever thankful that she enrolled Caitlyn in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, "Jennifer filled a void in Caitlyn's life!"

Help us fill more voids in the lives of kids, like Caitlyn, in Black Hawk and Bremer Counties.

Donate. Volunteer. Start Something today!

Summer Fun in the Sun!

The winter cold is behind us and the sun is ready to shine.  For those of you who may be in a new match or anyone looking to add some new activities, we are here to help.   Below are just a few activities you can do with your Little to keep you busy all summer long! 

Summer Activities to Share

*Create your own designs with sidewalk chalk

Fly a kite

Walk the trails

Participate in Big Brothers Big Sisters Mini Golf Madness on June 7th

(find more information here)

Bike the trails

Participate in Movies Under the Moon series at Overman Park in Cedar Falls

Play a few rounds of yard games:

*Ladder Ball, *Wiffle Ball, *Frisbee, *Catch & Toss, *Kick Ball

Go Disc Golfing

*Basketball

*Volleyball

Use your BIG Card and visit the following locations:

Palmer's Golf - Food- Fun, Four Queens, Moo Roo, Hansen's Dairy, Cold Stone

Have a picnic in the park

Rollerblade

*Tennis

*Hula Hoop

*Soccer

Attend community festivals and parades

Make your own bubbles

Plant flowers

Volunteer at a community garden

Visit the Arboretum

Try new fruits and vegetables

*Play a board game in the park

Read a book under a tree

Walk around the local college campuses

Help prepare for Driver's Ed

Build and launch a rocket

A-Z activities - plan a visit around each letter in the alphabet, for example: choose "C" and make cupcakes, play croquet and learn how to crochet

*All the items with an asterisk are available at the Big Brothers Big Sisters office to check out.  Our office hours are M-F 8-4:30.  Can't make it during hours - let us know and we can make other arrangements to fit your schedule!! 

Keeping Kids Safe

Keeping up with the ever-changing world of technology can be a daunting task.  Today, youth can access the Internet in a variety of ways and social networking sites are all around us.  Whether it be Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or the countless networking sites available, we must stay informed on how to keep children safe.

We are excited to have the opportunity to invite you to, "Keeping Kids Safe in Cyberspace"  hosted by Allison Area Foster Group. 

Mike Ferjak, lead investigator for the Federal Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force in Iowa, will share his expertise on familiarizing yourself with social networking sites. You will also learn the basics of predator tactics and prevention techniques to reduce the possibility of victimization.

"Keeping Kids Safe in Cyberspace"

May 15, 2012

 7-9pm

Vineyard Community Church

319 W. Bremer Ave Waverly, IA 50677



April Matches and May Anniversaries

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

Natasha Chughtai and Shaniyah
Ingrid Carlstein-Reyes and Alissa
Morgan Corwin and Shalayjha
Chelsea Jones and Anna
Will Kurtt and Camden
Rick Gorman and Zach


CONGRATS to the following matches reaching their anniversary in the month of May:

One Year:
Patty Hoffa and Tanner
Dave Condon and Amari
Abbie Smith and Bobbie
John Dow and Carlos
Steve Kingsley and Jeremiah

Wordless Wednesday: End of the School Year Party

A big thanks goes out to Maple Lanes Bowling Alley for helping make this year's end of the school year party a great success! 

THANK YOU MAPLE LANES!

Big Brother Wins Award

Congratulations to Adam Standiford for receiving the "Outstanding Emerging Volunteer Award" at the 2012 Mayor's Volunteer Award Ceremony hosted by the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley.

This award recognizes and honors the accomplishments of community individuals ages 19-35.  All nominees have excelled in service contributions.  Adam has done just that, you may recall reading about his match with Little Brother, Justice, here.

Congrats Adam - you deserve it!  We look forward to the years ahead...

UNI Fun Night

Big Brothers Big Sisters would like to send a thank you out to the University of Northern Iowa's Multicultural Teaching Alliance (MTA) for hosting the annual UNI Fun Night for the children on the waiting list.  Thanks to MTA and all the volunteers for a fun filled night at the Wellness and Recreation Center.  The Littles kept busy playing ping pong, swimming, climbing the rock wall, playing racquetball, and basketball.

It is because of groups like MTA that make events like UNI Fun Night possible.  Giving a chance for our Littles to have some fun and experience new opportunities while they wait to be matched with a Big Brother or Sister.