March & April Matches and May Anniversaries

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

Amy Backer and Arianna
Kyleigh Corcoran and Jovanti
Kendra Crawford and FaLeShia
Clayton Grandquist and Devan
Amy Hegstrom and Gabrielle
Jessica Hoag and Tyteria
Dixie & Dennis Kehoe and Devan
Elizabeth Martin and Adriana
Mark McColm and Joey
Aaron Schmadeke and Aiden
Kelly Steimel and Aurora
Sajra Vunic and Maleah
Amber Wood and Annie


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

One Year:
Colby Burt and Keenan
Kailey Kaestner and Hailey
Angela Orr and Stephanie

April Match Spotlight: Quinton and Erin

Erin Bird and Quinton began their journey together in January of 2014.  Erin, a Pastor in the community, wanted to get involved in something that would allow him to give back.  With children of his own, he knew that a large impact can be made working with youth.  Once he found out that there was a need for male mentors in the community, he knew that was what he wanted to do.

Quinton was enrolled in the program due to the lack of positive male role models in his life and the need for a little extra help with his school work.  He lacked in self-confidence and was struggling with being independent and making his own decisions.

The two hit it off immediately, finding similarities that they had and playing games that they both enjoyed.  Most of their time was spent initially playing Mancala, Chutes and Ladders or Four in a Row.  As they played these games, they got to know each other better and laughter started to fill their time.

At the start of the next school year, Quinton’s teacher asked if Erin would help with his journaling assignments each week.  Erin feels that this task has opened Quinton up in so many areas and has really helped further their relationship.

“Without prompting, he’s shared about struggles, questions, hurts, and more. I’ve been able to be a listening ear, a consistent friend, and a mentor to guide him and encourage him through the good moments and heart-breaking moments. I can tell it means a lot to him that an adult thinks he’s cool, wants to spend time with him, and will enter his world for 30 minutes each week,” stated Erin.

If you ask Quinton what his thoughts are on having Erin as a Big Brother, it’s pretty simple.  His response, “Erin is PERFECT!”  Quinton thoroughly enjoys every moment that he is with his Big and looks forward to it every week.

Erin compares his time with Quinton to a bank account.  Investing 30 minutes each week isn’t a lot at one time but can make a huge difference as it adds up.  Erin encourages others to get involved in the program and make these small investments in the youth of our community.  “If a simple, average guy like me can do this, anyone with a positive attitude and a desire to help others can do this. It’s well worth the 30-minutes a week it costs me.  It is amazing what a smile, a game, and a half-hour can do in the life of a kid”.

Tips for Tuesday: Adverse Childhood Experiences

Did you know that significant adversity in a child's life can lead to lifelong problems?  The Adverse Childhood Experience Study conducted by CDC, Emory and Kaiser Permanente illustrate the impact childhood adversity can have on adult well being.  In this study, it was discovered that any negative experiences such as abuse, neglect or exposure to other traumatic stressors can lead to higher risks of adult health problems, poor quality of life and early death.

For example, research shows that the risk factors increase with the number of adverse experiences during childhood.  The chart below depicts the percentage increase for an adult who experienced four or more adverse childhood experiences compared to those with zero negative experiences:

                                                                                      *Iowa Aces 360


So how does mentoring play a part in reducing the risk and creating protective factors for children?
Mentoring helps in a number of ways and can be vital in helping a child break the negative cycles and live a healthy and productive adult life.  Mentors provide social connections outside of the home and school and connect the child with the community around them. Mentors serve as a support system for children who may need extra guidance and encouragement navigating through young adulthood. Finally, mentors create a nurturing environment for the child to express himself freely, gain self-confidence and obtain the skills necessary to become successful adults.

To learn more about Adverse Childhood Experiences visit http://www.iowaaces360.org/.

To learn more about mentoring with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Iowa visit www.iowabigs.org or call 319-235-9397.

March Matches and April Anniversaries

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

April Hegstrom and Gabrielle


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

Two Years:
Amanda Stark and David
Cassie Upshaw and Maria

Four Years:
Katie Klein and BreAnna

Five Years:
Bob Hoffman and McKenna

Seven Years:
Howard Craven and Marquese

Child Abuse Prevention Month

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month.  Here are a few tips on how to respond if your Little or any child reports any abuse or harm they may be subject to:

• First, believe the child and make sure the child knows it.

• Thank the child for telling you and praise the child's courage.  Tell the child how brave he or she is for telling you.

• Tell the child that he or she is not at fault for what happened or may be happening.

• Encourage the child to talk but don't ask leading questions about the details as this may contaminate the child's memory of events.  Remember, who-what-where.

• Assure the child that it's your job to be sure he or she is kept safe and you'll do everything you can to make sure that happens.

• Seek out help from a professional, contact your Match Coordinator if this regards your Little or contact the authorities.

Spring Has Sprung!

Spring is in the air (at least we hope) so it's time to get outside and get active with your Little. To help you along, we've added a list of spring & summer activities for you to enjoy!

1. Walk the trails
2. Get an ice cream cone
3. Wash your car
4. Plant a garden or flowers
5. Volunteer at your community garden in Waterloo or Waverly
6. Go to city parades, concerts, and other events
7. Watch a movie outdoors during Cedar Falls' "Movies Under the Moon"
8. Make bubbles
9. Fly a kite
10. Go fishing
11. Rollerblade
12. Check out all the different parks
13. Have a picnic
14. Attend your Little's baseball, softball or other summer games
15. Visit the library on a rainy day
16. Explore the nature trails at Hartman Reserve
17. Visit the Arboretum
18. Visit a Farmer's Market and introduce new fruits and vegetables to your Little
19. Play catch
20. Make your own smoothies or popsicles
21. Read under a tree
22. Get creative and paint rocks, draw with sidewalk chalk or visit Pursuing Picasso
and paint pottery (remember to use your Big Card for a discount)
23. Build a birdhouse, Lego creations, boats to race, sand castles and forts
24. Volunteer
25. Visit the museums
26. Jump rope
27. Have a lemonade stand
28. Roast hog dogs or marshmallows
29. Visit the Sunrise Petting Zoo in Waterloo
30. Go swimming
31. Feed the birds and ducks at a pond or lake
32. Look at the clouds and pick out different shapes
33. Go to a Buck's baseball game
34. Paint your nails
35. Hula hoop
36. Catch butterflies and insects
37. Go to a fireworks show
38. Throw a Frisbee
39. Hopscotch
40. Visit the local Farmers-Markets
41. Visit the Resource Room at Big Brothers Big Sisters and check out the following items to use:

• Sidewalk chalk
• Basketballs, soccer balls, volleyballs, footballs, kickballs, baseballs
• Wiffle bat and ball
• Tennis rackets and tennis balls
• Ladder Golf
• Frisbees
• Board games
• Paint & craft materials
• Hula hoops
  

March Match Spotlight: Katie and Kirsten

Katie and Kirsten recently reached their two year anniversary of being matched in the School Based Program and have a strong friendship to show for it.  When Kirsten enrolled in Big Brothers Big Sisters she had previously served as a mentor in High School and really enjoyed her experience. Kirsten saw the positive impact she was able to make and wanted to do it again.

Katie is currently in second grade and attends Orchard Hill Elementary.  Katie is an only child and before being matched was struggling to have positive interactions with her peers at school.  When Katie was asked during her initial interview what she would like to learn from having a Big Sister, she responded that she would like to learn how to be a friend.  Kirsten, being an only child herself turned out to be the perfect fit.

Two years later the friendship between Katie and Kirsten is undeniable.  Kirsten visits with Katie at school consistently every week.  During their visits Katie and Kirsten spend time reading, coloring, talking and working on Katie’s school work.  Katie is also an English Language Learning student and having conversations with Kirsten has created a great opportunity for her to practice during their visits.  Katie has also tried teaching Kirsten words in her native language of Vietnamese, which has been a fun and educational experience for the match.

Recently Katie was asked how she feels when she is with Kirsten.  Katie responded that she feels excited, happy and glad whenever she is with Kirsten.  Katie gets sad when Kirsten leaves and she wishes they could spend more time together.  Although, Katie and Kirsten don’t visit each other over the summer months, they always do a fantastic job at keeping in contact.  Whether its writing letters or e-mailing back and forth, the match makes sure their friendship is as strong as ever for the start of the school year.  This match has been a great example of growth, commitment and friendship.
We are excited to see what’s in the future for this match!