BIGS' STORY BOOK ABOUT LITTLES "A"

The Bigs’ Story Book

About Littles

Stories about BBBS mentor relationships that help children become self-sufficient, contributing adults.

www.bbbs-mv.org

Mentorship Stories As Seen Through the Eyes of our Volunteers Vision: That all children achieve success in life.

Mission: To provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported 1-to-1 relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.

Big Brothers Big Sister of the Mississippi Valley is proud to present the stories of the 2014 Big Impact nominees and winners. The stories presented in this publication are written through the eyes of the adult mentor. Through these stories, you will see that our vision and mission is in good hands and achieving great results!

experiencing a community activity, the consistent interaction and trust that is built through shared experiences build the character and motivation in the child.

Big Brothers Big Sisters would like to thank these mentors for volunteering their time and talent. We would Volunteerism is the cornerstone of our also like to recognize the more than 700 other adult organization. Adult volunteers are giving of their time and volunteers who serve as mentors to young adults in our talents to support and encourage young adults to community. Without you, many of these young adults experience the wonderful opportunities life has to offer. would not have a consistent and positive adult role model Activities and experiences such as helping with homework, in their lives! encouraging reading, doing a project or craft together, or

Jay Justin, CEO Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley

To find out more about becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister go to www.bbbs-mv.org or call 563-323-8006

THE BIGS’ STORY BOOK ABOUT LITTLES 2014 / 2015

Seeing Through The Eyes of a Child

By Julie Bauman, Big Sister School-Based Match Big Impact Award Nominee

T

he match has made me realize how much I have taken for granted throughout the years.

It has helped me grow both mentally and spiritually in my life by seeing through the eyes of a child, hurdles they sometimes come up against and have no control of but have to deal with even as a child. If I can make even a small difference in his life, then it has been well worth it. I have seen a shy little boy grow into a more outgoing individual especially this past school year. He had some extremely difficult obstacles to overcome this past year. With that being said, he is now happier, able to focus better, and appears to be improving in school.

We had a great time at the Christmas party at Happy Joes a couple of years ago. This past year we have enjoyed playing games on the iPad together, attending the Book Fair, and just enjoying our time together and

Blake had some difficult things happen to him this past fall. He has been getting the help and support to deal with his challenges. His family life also seems more balanced which has helped. This past year we have developed a special bond. He has felt confident enough in me to express his thoughts and fears. I think our friendship has helped him get thru his challenges. I feel he realizes by my seeing him every week, he can depend on me to always be there for him. It has helped me grow as a person and given me a new perspective on life. It has been more rewarding than words can express being his friend and mentor.

talking.

THE BIGS’ STORY BOOK ABOUT LITTLES 2014 / 2015

Time Well Spent

By Jeff Belvel, Big Brother Community-Based Match Big Impact Award Nominee

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eing a Big takes time; but it is time well spent. I have learned that mentoring is important no matter how busy I think I am. I have enjoyed getting to know Elijah over the years and I believe he enjoys our time together as well. I am thankful that Elijah looks forward to our outings and that I can be his mentor and friend.

Elijah has grown quite a lot since we were first matched. He is more confident around others and outspoken about his beliefs in a positive way. He is also willing to try new things more than in the past.

Some of the most memorable moments would be hiking at Johnson-Sauk Trail in Kewanee, canoeing on the Hennepin Canal and the Top Chef competition. I learned quite a bit about the differences between DC and Marvel comics while hiking. I also learned that Elijah is not fond of water. I wasn’t sure that I would be able to get him to canoe, but he did eventually try it out and we had a lot of fun.

THE BIGS’ STORY BOOK ABOUT LITTLES 2014 / 2015

She Inspires Me to be a Better Person

By Susan Bowman, Big Sister Community-Based Match, Big Impact Award Nominee

I

was introduced to Big Brothers Big Sisters through the QC Achieve initiative in 2010.

Rachel and I met in 2010 when she was in 7th grade. We participated in the BBBS Career Navigator program for three years, most recently attended the BBBS Job Readiness program, and continue to grow a great friendship and relationship. A visit with Rachel makes me feel good. She inspires me to be a better person and to find the good in people and the world around me. She has a strong faith and an infectious positive attitude about life. I learn from Rachel. She is thoughtful about situations and other people’s circumstances. I was proud when Rachel introduced me to her family, her parents, siblings, and grandparents.

Through the Career Navigator program, we participated in many workplace tours in 2010, 2011, and 2012 and visited local schools, colleges, businesses, and community services. Rachel was well prepared for the tours and open minded to her future career decisions.

Memorable trips include one of our first trips to the Health Career Expo at the River Center in 2011. We also visited the Grand Opening of the Spark Lab at the Putnam Museum. Rachel already liked science and this lab sparked her interest in the health field. The next year we toured the Rock Island Fire Department and Trinity School of Nursing. These visits were influential to Rachel as she listened to explanations from the Director of Nursing at Trinity, the EMT team, and the RI Firemen, who helped Rachel decide on nursing as her career choice in the future. Rachel and I returned to the Putnam Museum for the 1st Anniversary of Achieve QC, the Anne Frank and the Titanic displays, and always enjoy the regular attractions of the museum. Rachel and I even made a commercial for public television about our working together with BBBS and the fun we were having.

Rachel and I have built a neat friendship. Some of our best times are casual

visits to the library or for a Whitey’s ice cream cone. I was most honored when she invited me to her birthday party last year with her friends, her mom, sister, aunt, and grandmother.

Rachel loves school and remembers what she learns.

She enjoys math and science and I have seen her grades improve these past years receiving an A in math. Rachel enjoys riding her bike and walking to school. She is very creative. She makes beaded jewelry, sews items by hand such as book bags and Halloween costumes and likes to write creative stories and illustrate them herself. Rachel has an attention to detail and completes the projects she starts.

Rachel is kind, helps others, and is willing to try new things. She took swim lessons for the first time and is learning to drive. Rachel read to pre-school children for 8 weeks with me and other volunteers. As a former ROTC participant, she sold raffle tickets at a RI football game and volunteered with the group at a John Deere Open House. Rachel raised money to attend church camp last summer by organizing the garage sale at her house. She collected the family items for sale, arranged them in the yard, talked to customers, and handled the money. Rachel volunteers with young people at her church and last year was asked to serve as the Craft Coordinator for the 2 Year Old program. She will be recognized this month for her service at her church.

Rachel’s career choice is nursing for her future.

She wants to attend nursing school when she graduates from high school. Rachel will be an excellent nurse in the ever-growing field of healthcare. She has an excellent work ethic, compassion for others, and a willingness to succeed. I am proud and grateful to know Rachel.

THE BIGS’ STORY BOOK ABOUT LITTLES 2014 / 2015

The Leap of Courage

By Harry Coin, Big Brother Community-Based Match

Big Impact Award Winner

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o often we're asked to donate money or time in order to make a difference. Looking back at all the volunteering and donating I’ve done in different areas, I can't help but notice that the things that made the most difference had less to do with the amount money donated or number of events worked, but more to do with something else. The seemingly simple business of showing up can do what no amount of donated money can do.

think.” So he sits sort of lost in thought, staring at the ceiling as the meeting begins. A few minutes pass by and I'm sweating bullets wondering whether I'd have to step in. The big moment arrives and the Mayor signals to us to step into the center of the room. He reads the proclamation and focuses the whole room's attention on us, and then asks David to say a few words. David hits it out of the park, recounting things we have done over the years, even some I had forgotten about. David speaks coherently about the program in a personal way. There When I was first matched with David in the school was nothing I could even add to his speech if I had based program, he was a sixth grader. He rarely put wanted to. The whole City Council came to their feet in sentences together using more than a few words, and applause. I didn't know he had it in him! I think about all was struggling academically. Fast forward to David as a the years that have passed by with David. Early on I had high school junior early in 2014, he’s getting Bs with Cs often wondered whether my showing up with this Big and an occasional A, as compared to mostly F's and Ds Brother thing was merely an exercise without any actual years earlier. benefit. That's about as big a difference as I might have This past January, Big Brothers Big Sisters asked hoped for over the years.

David and I to represent the organization at the I have to commend the optimistic tone the Career Bettendorf City Council meeting in order to receive the Navigators and the Job Readiness Programs have set for Mayor's proclamation as part of National Mentoring the older Littles. The whole idea of showing them the Month. The Mayor of Bettendorf came out to the lobby greater world through the in-person trips makes such a ahead of the meeting to ask us to give an acceptance difference for them. speech. I immediately asked David if he could do this. He looks around at all the assembled council members, police officers, city staff members, the cameras, and the various citizens and said "Okay, but give me a minute to

THE BIGS’ STORY BOOK ABOUT LITTLES 2014 / 2015

Spending Time With My Little Keeps Me Grounded

By Doug Hultquist, Big Brother School-Based Match Big Impact Award Nominee

I

look forward to my twice a month lunches with Darryl more than I do my work related lunches, which are almost every day. Going to the school and spending an hour with Darryl keeps me grounded. I relish that time and realize how important it is to me. I wish I could spend more time with Darryl and make a bigger difference in his life. I am sure I take away more from those lunches than Darryl does. This experience has also made me realize that in retirement I want to spend time making a difference in the lives’ of children. I enjoy helping bank clients with their financial matters, but I have greater passion for helping out a young one who needs it.

Last summer, we attended the Big Impact Event and spoke to the group. It was a good night for both of us. His principal, Mr. McGary joined us, as did one of Darryl’s pals. We have played board games and dice games after we eat. Darryl really enjoys those and is thrilled when he beats me, which is regularly. He is quite good at games that require math skills. It is really fun for me to join Darryl at recess, after lunch, when they play

basketball and let me join in. I have to remember to keep tennis shoes in my car at all times!

I try to keep a balance of fun and constructive discussions. Darryl’s Top 6 Goals list has been a good discussion for us these past few months. We start with that list each lunch and I think it helps him keep focused. Having something tangible like this to discuss has been good for both Ms. Lyendecker (his teacher), and us as well.

I have suggested to Darryl that Chasson Randle should be his role model. This was a wonderful year to watch Chasson. Stanford had a great year and made it to the Final 16 and Chasson was the highest scorer on the team. Each lunch, I would bring an article about Chasson and have Darryl read it. Chasson is a wonderful role model off and on the court and we Rock Island residents are proud to call him ‘one of ours’. I have explained to Darryl that this can be him if he stays focused on doing what is right and works hard.

THE BIGS’ STORY BOOK ABOUT LITTLES 2014 / 2015

A Tremendous Impact on My Life Kelley DeBaene, Big Sister Community-Based Match

Big Impact Award Winner

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eing a Big Sister through the Big Brother Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley organization has opened my eyes to a new world of communication and trust. From the moment we met three years ago, Katy accepted me and welcomed me into her life. She opened the door to not only form a relationship but a friendship as well. This friendship, in particular, has made a tremendous impact in my life. The time that I spend with Katy is invaluable. I focus on guiding her in the right direction with the choices she makes and encouraging her to form healthy relationships with others.

I am her mentor, her friend, and her Big Sister. I realize now that I should strive to look at my own relationships in this way. Putting trust in someone and having open and honest communication can lead to lifelong friendships.

I will never forget Katy’s excitement as we pull into the parking lot for the newest tour of the month through the Career Navigator program. It does not matter where we are headed – the Arsenal, Black Hawk College, News Channel 4, among many others. She is ready to learn head on and explore the scene. Her thirst for knowledge and experience is inspiring. Another favorite memory that I share with Katy is the day we took my seven year old and four year old daughters swimming at Whitewater Junction in Rock Island last summer. At the

time, my oldest daughter, Emma, was just on the brink of learning some true techniques of swimming on her own.

This was a day that Katy shined! She was the mentor that day. Having been a swim club team member for eight years herself, Katy took this opportunity and taught Emma a plethora of tips and tricks for swimming, diving, turning, and much more. It was such a neat experience to watch the two of them interact in a way that made them both so happy. I would also like to mention our dinner together at Olive Garden when we celebrated her 15th birthday.

Before the outing, I told her that I would like to take her out to eat anywhere she would like for her birthday.

Without hesitation, she knew that Olive Garden was the place to go. Throughout the meal and two baskets of breadsticks later, we were able to enjoy conversation and develop our relationship even more. As much as we truly appreciate the tours and activities arranged by BBBS, this meal was a great way for us to progress our relationship.

I have not only gained a Little Sister through this program, I have gained a whole other family who I am blessed to have in my life. Katy’s mother and grandmother have become significant people who mean the world to me. We all care so much about Katy and want to see her succeed.

THE BIGS’ STORY BOOK ABOUT LITTLES 2014 / 2015

Being a Big Has Taught Me to Appreciate What We Have

By Jill Larkin, Big Sister Community-Based Match Big Impact Award Nominee

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he time I have spent with Cleo has taught me to appreciate what my family and I have. It has also reminded me what is important in life. I believe that over the course of the two years Cleo and I have been together, she is growing in her maturity and her understanding of how important her grades are. We talk about this often; we discuss what she wants for her future and I always try to stress to her how her academic performance can impact those dreams she has. Cleo has challenges she doesn’t even realize she has. One that comes to mind from this year was their housing challenges.

They moved to Chicago for a few weeks and then returned to the QC where they lived in various hotels until November. I know it was difficult for Cleo living literally in one room for all of those months and it was embarrassing having the bus pick her up at a hotel but she never complained about it. Her mom got a job and she worked hard to get them out of the hotel and into an apartment shortly before Christmas.

By far the most memorable event Cleo and I have participated in together this year was when she and her mom and I went shopping for their new apartment. I found an organization that was willing to donate $1,000 to Cleo’s family to help

them furnish their apartment. They literally had nothing as they had to get rid of everything when they were evicted so we shopped wisely and ended up with many of the furnishing and supplies they would need. It makes me feel great knowing that Cleo and her mom are both sleeping on a real bed with sheets and blankets and a comforter. They now have a kitchen table with chairs to eat dinner at together. They have a television and an entertainment center that looks nice and I know they are very proud of. Thanks to the kindness of this organization they were able to get these things and it warmed my heart to get to be involved with them as they chose all of these things for their new home.

Another very memorable event for me was last summer when I took Cleo, her mom and her sister to VanderVeer Park. It has been years since they had family pictures taken so we went to the park and I took pictures of them for an hour or so. They loved having all of the pictures put on Facebook but I also made a photo album for both Cleo and her mom full of these pictures. Cleo’s album also included pictures from many of the activities she and I had done together.

Every family should have family pictures so it was my pleasure to be able to spend time with them and do this and they had a blast hamming it up for the camera.

THE BIGS’ STORY BOOK ABOUT LITTLES 2014 / 2015

A Very Rewarding Experience

By Brian Harry, Big Brother School-Based Match Big Impact Award Nominee

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eing matched with Garett over the past few years has been a very rewarding experience for me. I truly enjoy spending time with Garett and have enjoyed seeing him grow over the years. It has been extremely gratifying to know that he enjoys spending time with me as much as I enjoy spending time with him.

Our relationship has blossomed, and it is fun to escape the pressures of work to spend time hanging out over the lunch hour.

Garett has grown in more ways than one. It has been a lot of fun seeing him grow socially, emotionally, and academically.

Being a school-based match limits the amount of interaction that Garett and I have outside of the school setting. A couple of our favorite activities include: Games: The games that we play have evolved over the years. We have graduated from simple games to more advanced games. One game that we have always played is Connect4. The only difference is that I stopped letting him win a couple of years ago!

Talking about our hobbies: Garett and I have very similar hobbies. From football to dirt bikes, we enjoy spending time talking about some of our favorite past times. We agree to disagree when it comes to college football… he reminds me that my Iowa State Cyclones are no match for his Iowa Hawkeyes.

Garett rarely talked about his friends when we first were matched. Instead, he would only talk about his family. I’m not sure how many friends he had when we Discussing our families: Family is very important to Garett. were first connected, but I truly enjoy seeing him say hi to I’ll never forget how proud he was to be an uncle when his his friends in the hallways. His ability to interact with niece was born. It is obvious that he looks up to his older others has grown with time. brother by the amount that he talks about him. Also, When we were first matched, Garett struggled Garett gets really excited about his trips to visit family in balancing his time between the mainstream classroom Indiana. As the years have gone by, Garett has also taken and the other classroom where he received special an interest in my family which is great! We compare attention. When he missed his medication, he struggled holiday plans and enjoy talking about the fun things that to focus which resulted in below average grades. During we do with our families. our last lunch meeting, he was excited to report that he During my first year as a Big Brother, I learned a was getting mostly A’s & B’s. lot about my match with my first Little. I was extremely One of the most rewarding times for me was to disappointed to hear that he was moving away and that I see how well Garett transitioned from Wilson Elementary would be starting over with a new match. The staff at to Williams Intermediate. Even though he had only been BBBS quickly matched me with Garett and we have had a in school for a couple weeks, I could not have been more great match since day one! proud of him for the way he handled the transition. He went from a careless boy who couldn’t tell me what class he had next in elementary school to a confident young man who was organized with his class schedule.

THE BIGS’ STORY BOOK ABOUT LITTLES 2014 / 2015