Spooks, Spokes & Sneakers is almost here!

Join Big Brothers Big Sisters for the 4th Annual, Spooks, Spokes & Sneakers Halloween bike ride and powder fun run on October 11 at 10 am at Gateway Park in Cedar Falls!

Register to ride the 17 or 9 mile bike ride or 3.5 mile run/walk.  Riders will
trick-or-treat along the trails while runners and walkers get powdered in color along the route.  Registration is open to the public at www.iowabigs.org/sss.

Costumes are not required but encouraged!

Here are a few pictures taken from last year.  Join in the fun and support mentoring in the Cedar Valley!

September Match Spotlight: Kiana and Christi

Christi and Kiana just recently celebrated their one year anniversary this past July.  Kiana was enrolled in Big Brothers Big Sisters by her mother because she wanted Kiana to have another positive role model in her life that could introduce her to new activities.  Kiana loves to learn and enjoys trying new things, so it only seemed fitting that she was matched with Big Sister, Christi.  Christi is an elementary teacher and has always enjoyed working with kids. Through her experience as a teacher, Christi saw a need for mentors and decided to join.

Christi became a Big Sister with the hope to give a child motivation to do great things and she appears to be doing just that in her match with Kiana.  A great example of the role Christi has played in Kiana's life would be the way she helped Kiana prepare for a big change in her life.  Earlier this year, Kiana was getting ready to welcome a new baby brother into her household and was less than thrilled with this change.  Christi helped Kiana prepare for her new role as a big sister by providing her support and using her own experience to help Kiana adjust.  Now, Kiana talks about her baby brother with great pride and loves to share how she helps her mom with his care.

Kiana and Christi enjoy doing a variety of activities together which includes, going for walks, playing Mancala, attending Waterhawks performances, swimming, painting nails, watching movies, and attending match activities hosted by Big Brothers Big Sisters.  It is easy to see the great friendship Kiana and Christi have built together and we are excited to see what the future will bring for this match!

Treat Yourself & Support Big Brothers Big Sisters!

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