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V O L U M E 9, I S S U E 2
F E B R U A R Y, 2 0 1 8
WHY MENTOR
Mentoring, at its core, guarantees young people that there is someone who cares about them, assures them they are not alone in dealing with day-to-day challenges, and makes them feel like they matter. Yet one in three young people will grow up without this critical asset. Young Adults who were at-risk for falling off track, but had a mentor are: 55% more likely to enroll in college 78% more likely to volunteer regularly 130% more likely to hold leadership positions
than their peers to start using illegal drugs and 27% less likely to start drinking. Young adults who face an opportunity gap but have a mentor are 81% more likely to participate in sports or extracurricular activities than those who do not. A study showed that the strongest benefit from mentoring, and most consistent across risk groups, was a reduction in depressive symptoms — particularly noteworthy given that almost one in four youth reported worrisome levels of these symptoms at baseline. Career: One study estimates that the human potential lost as a result of the educational achievement gap is the economic equivalent of a permanent national recession. By preparing young people for college and careers, mentoring helps develop the future workplace talent pipeline. Helping set career goals and taking the steps to realize them. Introduce young people to resources and organizations Skills for seeking a job, interviewing for a job, and keeping a job. The number of ways mentoring can help a young person are as varied as the people involved in each program.
Education: Mentoring has significant positive effects on two early warning indicators that a student may be falling off-track: High levels of absenteeism and recurring behavior problems ● Students who meet regularly with their mentors are 52% less likely than their peers to skip a day of school and 37% less likely to skip a class. ● In addition to better school attendance and a better chance of going on to higher education, mentored youth maintain better attitudes toward school. Daily Life: By being a consistent adult presence in a young person’s life, mentors can offer advice, share their life experiences, and help a young person navigate challenges. Youth who meet regularly with their mentors are 46% less likely
Thank you, Bigs, for being a MENTOR! Source: www.mentoring.org
Be a friend to a child! Find out more today!
www.bbbsmv.org
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
WHY MENTOR? CAREER NAVIGATORS—GERMAN HERITAGE MUSEUM BIG/LITTLE TRAINING CAREEN NAVIGATORS—ATEEC Interactive Learning Lab DEAR MATCH COACH: Listen and avoid judgment M.A.P.S. ACTIVITIES: FEBRUARY CRAFT ACTIVITIES: FEBRUARY GAME NIGHT
BIG IDEA WORKSHOP: March 1, 2018 MONEY WISE KIDS: Build Your Budget First HEALTHY KIDS: Great Outdoors in the Cold OVER THE EDGE: NEW BBBS FUNDRAISER CELEBRATE FEBRUARY MATCH ANNIVERSARIES SOUTHERN MENTORING CENTER—FEBRUARY WHITESIDE COUNTY UPDATE—FEBRUARY COMMUNITY CALENDAR—FEBRUARY
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BIG LITTLE TRAINING FOR NEW MATCHES Wed., Feb. 7, 5:30—7:00 p.m. BBBS Office, 130 W. 5th St. Davenport
If you have been matched for less than 6 months, this training is for you!
We would like to invite you and your Little to our Big and Little Training. We will learn more about the mentoring process, the resources that are available through BBBS, and have some fun activities. We hope to see you there! Please RSVP to Katie: kzick@bbbs-mv.org or Lindsay: lmercer@bbbs-mv.org
There are close to 250 children waiting to be matched! Please ask your friends and co-workers if they would like to find out more about becoming a Big!
www.bbbsmv.org/volunteer
VOLUME 9, ISSUE 2
COACHES CORNER F E B R U A R Y, 2 0 1 8
DEAR MATCH COACH: LISTEN AND AVOID JUDGMENT
What will I do if my Little tells me something I’m not sure how to handle (e.g., he’s afraid to tell his parents he is gay, she’s being bullied at school, his girlfriend is pregnant)?
When you build trust with a young person, you may find that you hear intimate, unexpected, and even shocking or upsetting revelations. As a mentor, your job is to listen, to avoid being judgmental, and to defer to program staff or other professionals when you know that a mentee needs help. Explain to your Little early on that you will be an open listener, and that you will always try to do what is best for them. Talk generally about physical and emotional health and safety issues that might require help from other people. Assure your Little that you will always act with his or her best interests in mind. If there comes a time when you need to seek outside help for your mentee, you can refer back to that promise you made to them early in the relationship.
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RAVE ABOUT YOUR LITTLE: JOY Deb Moore’s first few visits with her Little, Joy, were rather quiet; Joy was very shy and would only talk when asked a question. Last fall however, after participating in a musical theater camp with support from the HAVlife grant, Deb learned that Joy had tried out and was chosen for the lead role of Ariel in a local musical performance of The Little Mermaid! Deb and her husband attended the performance and were blown away seeing Deb’s quiet, shy Little singing solos and acting in the spotlight of a packed audience! Joy did an amazing job, and Deb is so proud of all the work and courage she put into her performance. Over the course of their match, Joy has become more engaged and is now initiating conversations. Deb shares that the change she sees in Joy has been incredible and she looks forward to what lies ahead for her!
HAVE FUN WITH FEBRUARY CRAFT ACTIVITIES No Sew Hearth Pillow Supplies: Felt fabric- can have it one color or two colors scissors wadding (cotton)- to stuff pillow with Directions: Put the fabrics one over the other. Cut a big heart. After that draw a smaller heart inside the bigger one. Be sure to leave at least 2 – 3 cm between the two borders. This is very important, because when you cut the stripes they must be long enough so that you can tie them. Tie all the strips in this way. Do not forget to stuff the heart with wadding or cotton before you close the heart.
Mardi Gras Handprint Mask Craft Supplies: Construction paper Scissors Tape Pen or pencil Straw Decorations you want (glitter, beads, markers, paint, feathers) Directions: Trace your hand on the paper and cut out. Line up hand cut outs and tape together. Cut eye holes. Decorate however you want to. Once done attach straw with tape and your mask is done!
VOLUME 9, ISSUE 2
COACHES CORNER F E B R U A R Y, 2 0 1 8
COACHES CORNER VOLUME 9, ISSUE 2
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BIG IDEA WORKSHOP: RESERVE YOUR SEAT BY FEB. 23
EQ = EE
Emotional Intelligence = Engaging Employees A great professional development opportunity right here in the Quad Cities! Thursday, March 1, 8 a.m. to noon www.bigideaworkshopqqc.org Rhythm City Casino and Resort, Davenport Join us on Thursday, March 1 at Rhythm City Casino and Resort for an unbeatable, professional development opportunity held right here in the Quad Cities!
Workshop Presenters: Mike Veeck
When employees are committed, have fun and truly enjoy themselves, people perform to their optimum potential. Presented by:
Fran Zeuli
Dr. Emily Stuckenbruck
Mike Veeck and his team from “Fun Is Good” a nationally known consulting and workshop presenting firm will provide a three hour, interactive workshop where you will learn: How to control and express your emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically. How to communicate more effectively within your company or outwardly to customers, clients, patients, applicants, volunteers and others. How to tap into your passion and joy and put it to good use in your personal life and at your workplace. What you can do to help create a fun, creative, innovative workplace where every employee is valued for their contribution to serving your stakeholders. How to keep and attract great employees who are passionate about their work, their customers/clients, their co-workers and the product or service your company or organization provides.
21% higher productivity. 22% higher profitability. 48% fewer safety incidents. 10% higher customer satisfaction metrics.
37% lower employee absenteeism. 20% increase in employee performance overall.
Supported by:
Limited seating! To register now, go to bigideaworkshopqc.org
VOLUME 9, ISSUE 2
COACHES CORNER F E B R U A R Y, 2 0 1 8
MONEY-WISE KIDS: BUILD YOUR FIRST BUDGET
Now that you have the framework for a budget, it’s time to ask yourself some questions: • How much money do I have to start? • What needed items do I have to buy? • How much do they cost? • What goals do I need to save for? • How much do I need to save to reach that goal? Do I have money for the unexpected and how much do I have left?
It’s winter now, but summer is coming and that can only mean one thing – aside from hanging out at the pool – getting a summer job. Whether you’re working at the grocery store, babysitting or doing yard work – managing your money can seem overwhelming, but it’s important to get off to a SMART start. Last time we talked about SMART goals and how they help you get the things you need and want. Creating a budget is part of that process. A budget will help you save enough money to buy a bike, your first car or a smartphone. Let’s say you’re making $120 a week. You want to hang out with your friends, buy some new clothes, and save a little too – perhaps for your first car. But how can you do it all? You start by building a budget. First, list your income – all the places where you get money – birthdays, babysitting, yard work, etc. Next, list all your expenses with the important ones at the top (cell phone bill or car payment).
It’s important to be honest with yourself about your needs and wants, and categorize them appropriately. Your needs should be listed first. Try not to spend more than 90% of your income; this way you’ll have 10% left over to reach your goals. While using an online website like Mint.com or a spreadsheet can be helpful to keep track of your spending, they aren’t necessary. It’s more important to keep the budget simple, to be realistic, and to adjust it regularly as needed. You should also allow for budget busters like car maintenance and fees that are paid yearly instead of monthly. Give your budget time to work. You might find it difficult to meet your saving goals immediately but, over time, you’ll make progress as you continue to track income and spending. Finally, keep your bigger financial goals in mind as you work to stick to your budget each month. Remember, using a budget isn’t about what you can’t spend – it’s about deciding what’s important to you and using your money for that.
Thanks to IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union for their BBBS Money-Wise Kids Sponsorship!
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HEALTHY KIDS: GREAT OUTDOORS IN THE COLD Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors. Did you know playing outside in the winter is just as good for you as it is in the summer? Put on extra layers of clothes and go outdoors to enjoy some fun and health benefits. Some people think going outside in the cold weather will result in a cold. The truth is, a person who’s caught the cold virus will get sick and can pass on the cold virus to people around them if they sneeze or cough while they’re infected. The cold weather itself will not make you sick. Being outside in the sun and participating in physical activity will actually help you avoid getting sick. The sun provides Vitamin D when exposed to our skin. A few minutes outside during the day is an easy way to get Vitamin D. In fact, exercise and sunlight together promotes physical and emotional well-being. It gets blood flowing and helps important nutrients reach the whole body to give energy, prevent gaining extra weight, and keep the winter blues or depression away by reducing stress and increasing thinking skills. So grab a coat, get a friend, and try one these activities this winter!
Build a snowman or snow fort Take a walk Put out birdseed to feed birds Go bird watching Watch the sunset Go to a nature center or park Decorate a tree in your yard Stargaze at night Photograph winter scenes Draw winter landscapes Have a winter picnic Drink hot chocolate outside Play “Simon says” outside Go ice skating
By Linda Guebert MS, RN
Thanks to UnityPoint Health—Trinity for their BBBS Healthy Kids Sponsorship!
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V O L U M E 9, I S S U E 2
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DON’T LEAVE US HANGING! GO “OVER THE EDGE!” Big Brothers Big Sisters will soon be announcing an exciting way our community can support one-toone mentoring. Over The Edge, a peer-to-peer fundraising event will take place on Saturday, August 25 from 8 a.m. to 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. In March the event will be announced to the public and registration will officially open. To find out more, or to get on the list of those people interested in becoming an Edger go to:
www.overtheedgeqc.org Presented by:
Hosted by:
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.
CELEBRATE FEBRUARY MATCH ANNIVERSARIES! Little’s First Name
Big’s First Name
Big’s Last Name
Years Matched
Elijah Avianna Dakota Alexis Robert Tate Tavahreon Kacie Tommy Brianne
Jeff Vicki Henry Natalie Kristen Jeffrey Eric Patricia Thomas Julie
Banks Adair Plude Nieman Pruis Fossum Jameson Walton Sokolik Losey
8 6 6 6 5 4 4 4 3 3
Ariana
Donna
Gisel
3
Devell Willonte Jesus Angie
Randy Lance Scott Jennifer
May Van Fossen Ossowski McCalesterConner
3 3 3 3
Briel Nari
Alice Victoria
McCalester Hall
2 2
(Myiah)
Heidi
HuiskampCollins
2
Little’s First Name
Big’s First Name
Big’s Last Name
Years Matched
Savanah Kabastian
Laura Steven
Brunner Near
2 1
Jordan Tory Sydney
Colin Sean Hadley
Suiter McQueen Karrick
1 1 1
Shermiya
Victoria
Blackmer
1
Jaidyn Arriyon Saryanna Lancer
Stephanie Jesse Hannah Brian
Snoeberger Kugler Cave Wood
1 1 1 1
Kimberly Orion William Zay Anacely Selia ZaNiyjah Victoria Aiya
Cara Dan Casey Tim Shelly Faith Sherry Samantha Lanette
Comerford Howard LaFrance Staub Ridgeway Scott Blansett Coatney Johnson
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
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WELCOME TO 2018: SOUTHERN MENTORING CENTER 2017 was a spectacular year in Warren and McDonough Counties! We made tons of new matches, built partnerships in the community, and served the needs (in a variety of ways) of the people. 2018 holds the promise to be even better, and we’re working hard to make it another banner year. We’re off to a fast start here at the Southern Mentoring Center, so don’t blink or you might miss something!
largest is Big Brothers Big Sisters. Across the country, Mayors and local leaders are extolling the virtues of and encouraging community members to get involved in mentoring young people. Big Brothers Big Sisters of First New Match of the Year! National Mentoring Month Warren and MACOMB 2018 is only weeks old, but we wasted no time in McDonough Counties making our first match. Big Sister Sarah Hinzman is a opened in 2001, and we are now serving National Mentoring Month student at WIU, going for a Master of Theater Arts, 100 children per year. We are able to do so BUSHNELL and Little Sister Josie is one of the happiest kids thanks to the outstanding mentors that you'll ever meet. The introduction was nothing but volunteer for us. Every Big makes a significant contribution, both to smiles from them both. We're very happy to keep their Little and to their community, but we’re only able to choose Sarah Hinzman and bringing great people together, and to our newest one match to represent BBBS at the National Mentoring Month Josie match we say CONGRATULATIONS! presentations. This year, Big Brother Jason York and his Little Brother Braxton were our reps in Macomb, and Big Sister Alissa Lowe and New Faces in the Office her Little Sister Miranda were our reps in Bushnell. Both of these Hi, my name is Jose Galindo and I am an intern wonderful matches have built strong and positive relationships, and at Big Brothers Big Sisters from the WIU Social the Littles have benefitted tremendously. Thanks to Jason and Alissa Work Department. I am currently a Senior at for representing us, and thanks to all our wonderful mentors for Western Illinois University and will be their dedication and compassion. graduating in May. I am from Aurora, Illinois. I am excited about the opportunity that I have MAPS Begins This Month been given to intern with Big Brothers Big We have been announcing for Sisters, I am also excited to put on events in the many months that the MAPS community for all to attend. So far this has been program (Matches Actively a great experience and I know it will only get better as the semester Preparing for Success) was goes on. I look forward to helping this already growing program to coming, and we have finally continue to grow and be better than it has been in the past. kicked it off. The first MAPS activity was Thursday, January Hello! My name is Dejunique Hearn 24; the theme was Financial Literacy, and the activity was facilitated and I am an intern at Big Brothers Big Sisters by Big Sister DeSiree Walton, from Citizens Bank. MAPS is a great from Western Illinois University. I am currently way to have fun with your Little while helping them to get ahead, in a senior at WIU majoring in Law Enforcement, a slightly more structured atmosphere. All Bigs have received e-mails and I graduate May 2018. I’m originally from with details of the program, but if you would like more info, please Rock Island, Illinois but moved to Chicago call the BBBS office. The theme of the February activity is Literacy; when I was nine. I have my Associates Degree we are doing this activity in partnership with The United Way, and in Criminal Justice from Richard J Daly they will facilitate. The Literacy activity will be Saturday February 24, Community College, and am now pursing my from 1-3PM at the BBBS office and will feature Celebrity readers, Bachelor’s degree in LEJA. I am a sister of free books, snacks, and many fun games. This event is open to the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. I also have twin boys, Aiden and Ashton, public and free for all. (All Bigs will receive an e-mail with details of who are just eight months old. Being an intern at Big Brothers Big the Literacy activity.) Our MAPS program is generously sponsored by Sisters is something I have been looking forward to, as an IPI Wealth Management opportunity to give back to the Macomb and WIU communities. I’m Julie-Anne Pickett. very excited to be a part of such a wonderful organization! National Mentoring Month January is National Mentoring Month! There are many very successful mentoring organizations in the US, but the oldest and
To become a “Big” in McDonough Co. contact Pete at 309-837-5437 or go to www.bbbsmv.org/volunteer
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WHAT’S HAPPENING IN WHITESIDE COUNTY: FEBRUARY
Celebrating National Mentoring Month
Mentors are not replacements for parents, guardians, or teachers, but they can be an important member of the team responsible for a child’s development. They can help to expand the boundaries of the adult-child relationship to include more fun experiences that encourage Mayor Bill Wescott and his positive choices, promote self-esteem Little, Landon, proclaiming and improve academic achievement. We January as Mentoring Month would like to give a shout out to our in Rock Falls. Whiteside County Bigs who have been matched/part of our program for 5 + years: Henry Pluse Claudia Sauer Staci Dirks
Pam Topper Dan Arickx
February Match Activities
Please note that match activity evites will no longer be sent out to parents- only Bigs. Bigs, please check with your Little’s parent/ guardian if you would like to join in on the fun! Game Night at BBBS: Feb 9th 5:30-7pm. Bring your favorite game and a snack to pass. Tour of Morrison Institute of Technology: Feb 12th 6pm-7:30pm * *M.A.P.S.
Go Big For Littles Volleyball Tournament Sponsorships BIG IMPACT SPONSORS—Presenting Level $5,000 BIG DIFFERENCE SPONSORS— $1,000 NET SPONSORS— $500 START SOMETHING BIG SPONSORS $100-$499 ACE SPONSORS—$50.00 per Ace.
John Campbell Kristen Pruis
Sunday Funday –February 18th Current Bigs are invited to bring along a friend as a part of the Recruit One initiative.
June 9 , 2018
Contact Danielle Vance dvance@bbbs-mv.org and learn more about how to sponsor this event!
Match of The Month Sheila and Payton! We see these two all over town together. They have been sighted at libraries, malls, fundraisers, and arcades. They are both always smiling!
Pizza Ranch Fundraiser
Success
Thank you to the fabulous crew that came out to help us bus tables for our Pizza Ranch fundraiser. We had some great support from our community!
For more information about becoming a “Big” contact Danielle! dvance@bbbs-mv.org or call 815-716-8987
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR—FEBRUARY SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
1 PUTT-A-ROUND 2
PUTT-A-ROUND
SATURDAY
3 Junior Theatre Workshop
4 Bald Eagle Days
5
6
7
8
9
10 Davenport Radio
15
16
17
Control Society’s Mall Show IA /IL Auto Show Valentine Party
BIG / LITTLE TRAINING
11
12
Read to a dog
13
14
CAREER NAVIGATOR TOUR—GERMAN HERITAGE MUSEUM
M.A.P.S NIGHT UNDER THE STARS
18
Seussical Jr.
19
20 Lego Night
21
22
Seussical Jr.
26
27 LEGO night
28
1
Yoga at the Figge
M.A.P.S NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM
Seussical Jr.
23
24
2
3
Seussical Jr. BBBS GAME NIGHT
25
CAREER NAVIGATOR TOUR—INTERACTIVE LEARNING LAB
BIG IDEA WORKSHOP at Rhythm City Casino and Resort 8 a.m.—noon
OUT AND ABOUT IN THE COMMUNITY! FEBRUARY
Junior Theatre Workshop: Saturday, February 3rd at 10am |Easter Branch Davenport Public Library| Follow along with Davenport Jr. Theatre instructors to fun acting games and learn some of the choreography from their upcoming performance of Seussical Jr. . Call (563) 326-7832 to learn more and to register.
Davenport Radio Control Society’s Mall Show: Saturday, February 10th at 9am| Northpark Mall| Public exhibition of radio control airplanes, helicopters, and boats. Computer simulators available for trying your hand at this enjoyable hobby. Iowa/Illinois Regional Auto Show Family Day: Saturday, February 10th starting at 10am | RiverCenter | Sit in the vehicle of your dreams and check out specialty cars! Kids 12 and under get in free on family day with a paid adult ($6) to enjoy bounce houses, balloon artists, face painters, science experiments, Niabi Zoo animals and more! Tickets available at quadcityautoshow.com. Valentine’s Day Party: Saturday, February 10th at 10am | Fairmount Branch Davenport Public Library| Celebrate Valentine’s Day at the library! Make your own valentines, decorate cookies, and play games! Kids of all ages are welcome to attend.
Read to a Dog: Monday, February 12th at 5pm | 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. Yoga at the Figge: Saturday, February 17th at 10:30 am | Figge Art Museum | Join the Figge for a yoga class for all ages! Bring your own mat and water bottle. Class is offered free of charge, but donations will be accepted. Space is limited and preregistration is required; contact yoga@figgeartmuseum.org or 563-345-6638. Seussical Jr: Saturday/Sunday, February 17,18,24,25 | Davenport Junior Theatre| Enjoy the fun and whimsical story of Horton the Elephant, narrated by The Cat in the Hat. When Horton discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos, he must protect them from a world of naysayers and dangers. Littles can access free admission when accompanied by a paid Big to the show. Adult tickets are $8 and can be purchased at the door. Lego Night: Tuesday, February 27th at 6pm | Fairmount Branch Davenport Public Library | Come play with the library’s thousands of Legos for an hour for free-build. We’ll provide the bricks, you supply the imagination!