COACHES CORNER
V O L U M E 9, I S S U E 4
APRIL, 2018
THE THREE PILLARS OF TRAUMA—INFORMED CARE Implications for mentoring.
child is displaying challenging behavior, it is important to try and not respond harshly.
Source: The Chronicle of Evidence-Based Mentoring
Managing Emotions: Often children who have experienced trauma have trouble managing their emotions. One of the most important skills a non-parental adult can teach a child is to learn to calm herself down when she gets upset. In particular teaching the child how to label her feelings, so she can process her own experiences is important. Additionally, literature suggests that it may be helpful to teach the child active listening skills, since it may help the child learn to be more reflective and better manage her emotions.
There is a growing awareness of the pervasive impact of trauma on children. In particular, it is known to affect brain functioning and change the neurological systems that govern stress responses. Trauma is also associated with nightmares, flashbacks, avoiding reminders of the event, and difficulty with concentration. Although the effects of trauma are extensive, increasingly it is being recognized that healing from trauma can take place in non-clinical settings”. Specifically, other non-parental adults in the child’s life may be able to help the child heal. This article reviews the current literature and provides guidelines for how best to provide a healing relationship for a child who has experienced trauma. There are three key factors of trauma-informed care: Safety: Trauma can affect a child’s sense of safety and attachment. In order for recovery to take place adults must provide the child with a sense of safety. In particular, it is important to remember to be reliable, available, predictable, and honest. Connections: Some children who have experienced trauma may associate adults with negative emotions. In order for recovery to take place, it is important that mentors display positive emotional responses toward the child. Note that this may be difficult because the child may display challenging behavior. However, even if the
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Implications: Children who have experienced trauma need adults in their lives who can use trauma-informed approaches to promote healing. It is noted that if mentors can follow the guidelines laid out above (and provide safety, connectedness and emotion regulation skills) they may be able to help create an environment in which healing can take place. To learn more about how you can help your Little build resilience after experiencing trauma, take a look at these resources: An Introduction to Becoming a Trauma-Informed Big (webinar produced by BBBSA) https://register.gotowebinar.com/ recording/8452697238722132483?assets=true ----not sure if you want to include this entire link, or use bitly to shorten it, or just refer to their Program Specialist for the link http://nctsn.org/ https://www.heysigmund.com/building-resilience-children/ https://changingmindsnow.org/
THREE PILLARS OF TRAUMA—INFORMED CARE LEARN TO GOLF—MATCH ACTIVITY RAVE ABOUT YOUR LITTLE—MYIAH MENTOR CHATS —MATCHED LESS THAN A YEAR BIG’S NIGHT OUT AT THE RIVER BANDITS DEAR MATCH COACH—LITTLE’S SIBLING IS JEALOUS HEALTHY KIDS—UNITYPOINT HEALTH—TRINITY MONEY-WISE KIDS—IHMVU
M.A.P.S.—VOLUNTEER WITH RIVER BEND FOODBANK APRIL CRAFT ACTIVITIES OVER THE EDGE—SIGN UP TO BE AN EDGER! SPRING PLANT SALE—PRE-ORDER NOW! APRIL MATCH ANNIVERSARIES SOUTHERN MENTORING CENTER—APRIL UPDATE COMMUNITY CALENDAR
COACHES CORNER VOLUME 9, ISSUE 4
APRIL,2018
DEAR MATCH COACH: “My Little has a sibling that gets jealous and wants to join too.” Having a Big is very exciting! Your Little knows that, and so do their siblings. It can be difficult for a sibling to see their brother or sister go do all these exciting things, while they have to stay home. Imagine how the sibling must feel when their brother or sister gets back from hanging out with their Big and starts telling them about everything they did together that day, and how much fun they had. It can be hard for the sibling to accept, and difficult for them to understand that the match relationship is something special for their brother or sister. If you happen to encounter this issue, make sure to talk to your Program Specialist about the situation. They would be happy to follow-up with the parent about the possibility of enrolling the other child/children into our program. Then hopefully they can be matched with their very own big! In the meantime, periodically arriving at the Little’s house a few minutes early to spend some time with them, as well as their sibling, might make it easier when it is time for you and your Little to leave and do your own activities for the day.
MENTOR CHATS: MATCHED FOR LESS THAN A YEAR? This training is for you!
Monday, April 16, 5:30-6:30 p.m. BBBS Office, 130 W. 5th St. Davenport
Mentor Chats
We invite you to join us for our monthly Mentor Chat. We’ll talk about the mentoring process, share tips for a successful match, and meet other volunteers. No matter what has been going on in your match this is a really important opportunity to experience in your first year. We hope to see you there! Please RSVP to Katie: kzick@bbbs-mv.org or Lindsay: lmercer@bbbs-mv.org
VOLUME 9, ISSUE 4
COACHES CORNER A P R I L, 2 0 1 8
RAVE ABOUT YOUR LITTLE: MYIAH
Send in your RAVES!
Little J.C. D’Myiah has been matched with her Big, Heidi Huiskamp-Collins, for just over two years. Myiah brightens up every room with her lovable personality and big smile. She is very enthusiastic about baking, arts, crafts, and doing science experiments with her Big Sister, Heidi. Myiah recently expressed in a school art project that her dream is to go to college when she grows up so that she can become a teacher and teach little kids how to read. Myiah is both responsible and ambitious. She has grown, and made significant improvements since the beginning of her match with Heidi. A once very shy girl is now a talkative, curious, and eager girl who has broken out of her shell! So happy for you, Myiah and Heidi!
We want to hear more about your Little and your Match! Send your stories to your Match Coach or to Ally at asweeney@bbbs-mv.org!
BIGS NIGHT OUT—APRIL: RIVER BANDITS GAME! Tuesday night, April 17, 5:45 p.m. Join fellow Bigs and BBBS staff in the Champions Club at Modern Woodmen Park to cheer on the River Bandits against the Peoria Chiefs! Light appetizers will be served. Bring a guest for your chance to win a prize!
SIGN UP BY APRIL 13: news@bbbs-mv.org
COACHES CORNER VOLUME 9, ISSUE 4
A P R I L, 2 0 1 8
Matches Actively Preparing for Success: For Littles in K-6th grades.
River Bend Foodbank Each year, River Bend Foodbank distributes millions of meals to families who are food-insecure in Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois. Join us to help them with their mission as we sort, inspect, store, and prepare a variety of donated items into boxes for distribution. This is an easy and practical way for your Little to meet a very important need in our community.
Saturday, April 21st, 10 a.m.—noon, 4010 Kimmel Drive, Davenport April is community service month!
RSVP to news@bbbs-mv.org
HAVE FUN WITH APRIL CRAFT ACTIVITIES Beaded Wind Chime
Spinner Supplies: Twine Printer paper Scissors
Cardboard circles Markers Glue sticks
Directions: 1) Make 2 circles on printer paper. 2) Add lots of color and a pattern to circles, then cut out. 3) Trace on cardboard and cut out. (Only need 1 cardboard circle) 4) Glue paper to cardboard. (one on each side) 5) Poke two holes right in center of the cardboard circle. 6) Take a piece of twine (about 28 inches) Run through the hole and tie in a knot. 7) Take a piece of rope in each hand with the circle in the middle and go in circle to get rope twisted.
Supplies: Assorted beads and charms Wooden dowel (or driftwood) Beading needle Twine
Bells Nylon beading thread Electric drill and small drill bit
Directions: Drill holes in piece of wood. (Can use pen to mark where you want the holes) Cut nylon thread 22” in length. Tie bell to one end leaving a few inches of excess thread at end of the knot. Thread needle on other end of string. Thread beads onto string. Once strand is finished, unthread needle. Make sure not to lose your beads, thread the needle onto the few inches of string left at the bottom, then insert needle back up through two or three beads to hide end of thread. Snip off excess string. Continue to do until you have your desired number of strands. Once you’re done you can lay the finished strands out and make any adjustments you may need. Carefully pick up the first strand. Thread the needle and string it through the first hole in the wood. Thread a bead onto the top of the wood and carefully tie a secure knot around the bead. Thread the excess string back down through the wood and through a few beads, then snip any excess. Repeat this process until all beaded strands are secured onto the wood. Finally, make a hanger by wrapping twine around one end of the wood, securing with a knot. Then allow some slack for the beaded wind chime to hang from and wrap the string around the other end of the wood. Secure with a knot. Once complete, hang outside!
VOLUME 9, ISSUE 4
COACHES CORNER A P R I L, 2 0 1 8
HEALTHY KIDS: KEEPING YOUR LITTLE’S SUNNY SIDE UP! Helping Children Develop a Positive Outlook By Christine Gradert, MSW, LISW, LCSW, Director, Child and Adolescent Services
Helping children develop a positive attitude is one of the greatest gifts we can give them. A happy disposition contributes greatly to children’s emotional and physical well-being, and ultimately their long-term development. Adults can have significant influence on a child’s life by role modeling positive behavior, speaking with optimism, and allowing children to have opportunities to develop or expand their skills. So how can adults foster a positive “can-do” attitude in children? We start by creating an encouraging environment that focuses and builds on a child’s natural strengths and abilities. For example, if your child likes music, then activities such as learning the words to a new song or creating a new dance to perform with the song can go a long way toward a sense of pride and accomplishment. When children experience successes like these, they are more likely to build the self-confidence they need to learn and try new things. Holding a positive outlook on life is ultimately a choice, and it’s much easier to help children develop an attitude of hope when they have positive experiences to draw from. When children have an emotional “piggy bank” of successful memories, they become more resilient which allows them to accept times when they are unsuccessful, when sad things happen, or when things don’t go their way. During these challenging times, the importance of positive adult role modeling and self-talk is a key ingredient of how children learn to think about what’s occurring in their life. Try saying encouraging words such as, “I know that didn’t quite go the way you wanted it to, but let’s try again” or, “I know you didn’t win, but you gave it a good effort!”, and “I really liked your moves at the end of the dance!” Most importantly, adults need to help children make the mental connection that they have the ability to create a sense of happiness through their actions and thoughts, and understand that the power to feel joy comes from within.
Thanks to UnityPoint Health—Trinity for their BBBS Healthy Kids Sponsorship!
COACHES CORNER VOLUME 9, ISSUE 4
A P R I L, 2 0 1 8
MONEY-WISE KIDS: HOW TO SAVE IN AN ELECTRONIC AGE You know those green pieces of paper with the presidents on them? I’ve never seen them either. Do you know why? Most people don’t carry cash anymore! Speaking from experience, this makes it harder to save. Plastic over paper In a world where everything is digital, it can be difficult to figure out how to start saving. Most people only have a debit/credit card and don’t even bother carrying cash. This causes a major dilemma when we’re trying to save. Instead of having a visual of how much we have, we don’t physically see our funds deplete. It’s harder to save today Because we often shop with “plastic”, our credit/debit card, It makes things such as online shopping an easier way to spend money without thinking. Now more than ever, instead of having a solid savings plan, people are spending more money on little things they don’t need, like that gum or their favorite candy bar by the cash register. There are always ways to save! It seems difficult, but you can do it!
Savings goal charts: If you’re having troubles finding where to start, a savings chart is a great idea. Like in the example provided, take a sheet of paper and write out the days of the week and your tasks. Put a sticker in the box on every day that you did that task, and talk to your parents about what type of allowance each chore earns. Savings match: It is just like it sounds! Any money you put into your savings, see if your parents will match it, doubling your money. You’re saving money and getting rewarded for saving money at the same time. It’s a win, win! So, what are you waiting for? Talk to your parents, make your chart ,and start saving! Happy saving!
Thanks to IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union for their BBBS Money-Wise Kids Sponsorship!
COACHES CORNER
VOLUME 9, ISSUE 4
A P R I L, 2 0 1 8
DON’T LEAVE US HANGING! GO “OVER THE EDGE!”
If your company is interested in finding out more about becoming a FEARLESS LEADER company or a sponsor of Over The Edge, email Beth Clark at bclark@bbbs-mv.org and set up a time to meet.
Big Brothers Big Sisters is announcing an exciting way our community can support one-to-one mentoring. Over The Edge, a peer-to-peer fundraising event, will take place on Saturday, August 25, from 8 a.m. — 5 p.m. People can support BBBS by becoming an EDGER (individual rappeller) who will raise $1,000 through their network of friends and family and then rappel down the side of the Hotel Blackhawk on August 25th. A company, organization, or group can sign up for the FEARLESS LEADER effort, and set a goal for their organization. Right now, we are accepting names and emails of those people who are interested in becoming an Edger or Fearless Leader Organization. There are only 92 total spots available!
If you want to support the effort, but don’t want to rappel, you can join our “Cheerleaders” and raise $500 each to receive special seating at the event. This event was announced to the public and officially opened for registration in March. To find out more, or to get on the list of those people interested in becoming an Edger go to:
www.overtheedgeqc.org Hosted by:
Presented by:
CELEBRATE APRIL MATCH ANNIVERSARIES! Little’s First Name
Big’s First Name
Big’s Last Name
Years Matched
Little’s First Name
Aliza Allie Shavontay Aryiana Madison Gavin Maliyah DeLavon Devin Danielle Hope Kalina Aleea Hailey Knowledge Bethany Hayden Breanna Liberty SaeVone
Gage Hannah Savannah Megan Drew) Anabelle Sofia Taylor Alicia Tejana Sequoia Savanah Kyler Fred Eric Sophia Gabrielle Zakiyah Ally Gracie
Dolores Bonnie Lynda Julie Kevin Rose Annie Myra Chelsea Cecilia Megan Faith Heidi Jack Ryan Stacy Karen Latrice Lynn Nickole
Nanninga Sparks-Gray Van Zuiden Keith Friedenbach Strickland Olberts Very Guerin O'Brien Schoff Fletcher Halferty Cullen Martin Willet Dahlstrom Lacey Drazinski Spears
9 8 7 7 7 6 6 6 6 6 5 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Audri
Heather
Brinkschroeder
2
Big’s First Name
Kathleen Whitney Laura Rita Briana Sam Katie Nick Rashaad Ashley Tessa Debra Sara Rachel Joshua (Josh) Kelly Gary Brooke Kortney Timothy (Tim)
Big’s Last Name
Maus Sullivan Bjurstrom Slusser Boswell Bryant Pfitzenmaier Jagush Lane Vegter Ford Mortonson Jones Gustafson Yamamoto Larson Tomlinson Sawyer Gaura Ford
Years Matched
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
COACHES CORNER V O L U M E 9, I S S U E 4
A P R I L, 2 0 1 8
2018 PLANT SALE PRE-ORDER THROUGH APRIL 23! Call in your PLANT SALE ORDER now! By pre-ordering your plants you will assure that you get the flower variety, color and quantities you need for your spring gardening or beautification project. Plant pricing varies based on the type and size of plant, but most flats of 48 sell for $18 and hanging baskets sell for $20 or $24 (depending on size). GROUP SALES—You can get a group together from work, your church, your neighbor hood, or any other group and if the order is $150 or more (as a group) we will deliver the entire order separated by individual order to one location. Businesses can check out our
Corporate Ordering form.
Order by April 23!
Our flowers are great for planting around your facility or any space that needs beautifying. Questions can be directed to Kayla at kkiesey@bbbs-mv.org or call 563-323-8006.
On-site shopping: DAVENPORT: Northwest Bank & Trust Tower Welcome Way and Kimberly Rd. OPEN: May 4-12th 8 a.m. — 7 p.m. MOLINE: UnityPoint Health—Trinity 500 John Deere Rd.
OPEN: May 3, 1 p.m. — 7 p.m. May 4-6 8 a.m. — 7 p.m. Presented by:
Supported by:
www.plantsale.org
COACHES CORNER
VOLUME 8, ISSUE 4
A P R I L, 2 0 1 8
SPRING IS SPRUNG AT THE SOUTHERN MENTORING CENTER 2018 is still young, but we’ve been busy at the Southern Mentoring UPCOMING ACTIVITIES: Center! With new matches, new activities, and a new employee, our program is in full bloom! Our outstanding Bigs are making a huge difference in the lives of children, as well as the community, and the people of Warren and McDonough Counties love them for it. New Matches! Since the last newsletter, We have made 3 new matches and we’re excited to introduce them to you! Big Sister Katy Gorsuch works in Admissions at WIU. She is planning to join Macomb Centennial Morning Rotary Club, and would like to serve her community. Little Sister Makayla is a super nice kid, who was thrilled to meet her new Big. The sky is the limit! Katy and Makayla
Big Sister Krysten Test is studying Law Enforcement at WIU, with hopes to someday be a Youth Rights Advocate. Little Sister Meagan is a great kid, looking for a new friend. Another outstanding match thanks to our community support here in Macomb.
Krysten and Meagan
Both Little Sister Destiny and Big Sister Courtney Frank have been previously matched with us, and are both wonderful people. We are excited to be able to pair these two, and believe this will be a great match! We are very happy to continuously bring great people MAPS- Matches Actively Preparing for Success together. To our newest matches we say, MAPS is a great way to have fun with your Little, while helping them “CONGRATULATIONS!” to get ahead in a slightly more structured atmosphere. The theme of our March MAPS activity was Health and Wellness. Big Brother Bill Courtney and Maakestad (instructor) taught our matches Tai Chi. It was an Destiny awesome activity for the Bigs and Littles to do together, and gave everyone techniques to keep both their mind and body healthy. Our NEW FACE IN THE OFFICE MAPS program is generously sponsored by IPI Wealth Management Hello, my name is Sarah Baca! I will be the Julie-Anne Pickett. program specialist at the office. I will serve in this position for a year. I am excited and proud to serve this community and country. I am originally from Southern Illinois, but moved to Macomb 12 years ago so that my husband could finish his education at WIU. After his graduation, we decided to stay and make Macomb our home where we raise our two children, Baleigh and Brady.
To volunteer to become a Big contact Pete at 309-837-5437
COACHES CORNER V O L U M E 9, I S S U E 4
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR—APRIL SUNDAY
1
MONDAY
2 Crafternoon
TUESDAY
3 JOB READINESS Interview Night
8
9 Crafternoon
10
WEDNESDAY
4 Magic Yoga and Stories Teen Gaming
THURSDAY
5 Reading Assist. Dogs Main Library Mania
FRIDAY
6
SATURDAY
7 Window Birdhouse Lego Club
Stem Lab
11 Magic
12 Stem Lab
13
14
Teen Gaming Read to a Dog Saturday Morning Movie
15
16 Crafternoon
17
18 Magic
19 Stem Lab
20
21
FIRST TEE GOLF begins
Teen Gaming MENTOR CHAT
22
23 Crafternoon
RIVERBEND FOODBANK
24
PLANT SALE PRE-ORDER
29
30 Crafternoon Shaving Cream Marbling
1
25 Magic
26 Stem Lab
Teen Gaming
Main Library Mania
2
3
Plant Sale Moline PLANT SALE UNLOADING DAY
27
28
4
5 Plant Sale Davenport
OUT AND ABOUT IN THE COMMUNITY! APRIL
Crafternoon: April 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 at 4:00 pm-5:00 pm at Fairmount Street Branch, Davenport Public Library. Kids 6+ can come create a variety of arts and crafts including seed pictures, 3-D faces, rain clouds, name aliens, and shadow puppets. All supplies are provided! Magic: The Gathering Club: April 4, 11, 18, and 25 at 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm | Bettendorf Public Library | Teens! Stop by to play Magic or Pokémon trading card games, or chat about D&D, Pathfinder, watch some anime or play some board games. This is your time to be as nerdy as you need to be! For more information, please call (563) 344-4188. Yoga and Stories: Wednesday, April 4th at 6:30 pm – 7:00 pm | Bettendorf Public Library | Come and experience your favorite stories told with yoga poses as demonstrated by certified yoga instructors. Recommended for ages 3 - 10. Be ready to join in the fun. No registration required. For more information, please call (563) 344-4178. Teen Gaming: Wednesdays, April 4, 11, 18, and 25 at 2:30 pm | Fairmount Street Branch Davenport Public Library | Hang out with friends and try out new games/gaming systems! Play PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, and Wii U, along with space for tabletop gaming. Teens only (ages 11-19)! STEM Lab: Thursdays, April 5, 12, 19, and 26 at 4:00 pm | Eastern Branch Davenport Public Library | Come explore STEM activities at the Library! We'll focus on a different subject each week. Registration is required. Register online at http://www.davenportlibrary.com/newsand-events/register/ or call (563) 326-7832. Reading Assistance Dogs: Thursday, April 5th at 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Bettendorf Public Library | Children have the opportunity to read aloud to dogs from Quad City Canines. This is great practice for kids and helps them build their vocabulary and self-confidence. No registration is required. For more information, please call (563) 344-4178.
Main Library Mania: Thursday, April 5th and 26th at 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm Davenport Public Library Main Library | Kids of all ages are invited to come to the Main Library for a surprise activity! Stop by to find out if we’re building with Legos, painting a picture, watching a movie, playing games ,or doing something wild and crazy! Window Birdhouse: Saturday, April 7th at 9:00 am – 12:00 pm | Home Depot, Bettendorf |Do you have a love for nature? In this hands-on workshop, you can build a window birdhouse. Once your birdhouse is built, you can decorate it with paint and stickers. All Kids Workshop attendees must be accompanied by a parent or adult at all times. All kids will keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last. Register online at https://www.homedepot.com/workshops/#store/2111 Lego Club: Saturday, April 7th at 11:30 am – 12:30 pm | Bettendorf Public Library |Come enjoy a morning of free-building with Lego blocks. For more information, please call (563) 344-4178. Read To A Dog: Monday, April 9th at 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm | Eastern Branch Davenport Public Library | QC CAN’s Reading Assistance Dogs are specially trained, along with their handler, to provide the environment needed to help children improve their reading skills! Saturday Morning Movie: Saturday, April 14th at 10:00 am | Eastern Branch Davenport Public Library | Relax on a Saturday morning with a favorite children’s movie! Shaving Cream Marbling: Monday, April 30th at 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm | Bettendorf Public Library | Drop in to the Creation Studio and learn this easy technique for marbling paper using a common household item shaving cream! For more information, please call (563) 344-4175.