COACHES CORNER
V O L U M E 6, I S S U E 11
NOVEMBER , 2014
Here at Big Brothers Big Sisters, we understand that winter and the holiday season can be an especially tough time for the families we serve. Higher utility fees, illnesses, winter clothing and gift-giving can all put a financial strain on families this time of year. If you know of a specific need in your Little’s family, please contact your match coach for some resources that
TOYS
may alleviate some of that stress. Below are a few suggestions, featuring Quad City agencies offering services to families in need. Please pass this information on to your Little’s family and encourage them to seek assistance. We want to do our part to make sure that all of our Littles have a safe, warm and happy holiday season!
CHRISTMAS BASKETS
Friendly House Christmas Basket sign up will be November 3-6 Toys for Tots at 5402 Tremont Ave Davenport Iowa (309 782 6044) will from 9:30-11:30 and 1:30-3:30. have registration for toys. Registration will be from October 30—December Friendly House, 1221 N. Myrtle St., Davenport, IA (563-323-1821) 6, every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday., 9:00 Am - 5:00 Pm. Ages eligible to receive toys: From six months-12 years old. Child must be at least six Salvation Army has sign up for Christmas food baskets and months old by December 15th or born by June 21st, 2014 to receive toys. toys Oct 27-Dec 5 on Monday 12:00-2:30 Wednesday 1:00Toys for Tots 5402 Tremont Ave., Davenport, IA 309-782-6044 4:00 Friday 11:00-2:00 Salvation Army, 3400 W. Central Park Ave., Davenport, IA (563) 391-5325 FREE THANKSGIVING DINNER Salvation Army Heritage Temple in Moline has sign up for Martin Luther King Center at 630 7th Ave. in Rock Island Christmas basket 10/27-12/5 on Monday 12:00-12:30; Wednesday 1:0025th Annual Thanksgiving Holiday Dinner on November 23 from 4:00; and Friday 12:00-2:00 11:00 am - 1:30 pm. Salvation Army Heritage House, 2200 5th Avenue, Moline, IL Martin Luther King Center, 630 7th Ave. Rock Island, IL (309)732-2999. (309)764-6996. Dispatch Good Fellow/Argus Santa Fund Friendly House Thanksgiving dinner will be November 25th at People looking for holiday assistance can sign up for it at The Scottish noon and it is free to all. Rite Cathedral, 1800 7th Ave., Moline, a couple of blocks south of The Friendly House 1221 N Myrtle St., Davenport, IA Dispatch. Sign-up times are 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4, 5:30 to (563) 323-1821. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8. Applicants must: -- Live in the Moline/Coal Valley or Rock Island-Milan Mr. Thanksgiving at SouthPark Mall will be Thanksgiving Day this school districts. November 27 from 4:00-6:30. SouthPark Mall, SouthPark Mall, 4500 16th Street, Moline, IL (309) 797-8450
ENERGY ASSISTANCE Community Action of Eastern Iowa is taking applications for energy assistance starting Nov. 1 from 8-3:30 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Wednesday is by appointments only. Please call to make an appointment first. Community Action of Eastern Iowa, 500 E. 59th St., Davenport, IA (563)324-3236 or (866) 324-3236. Project Now of Rock Island will help with energy assistance starting November 3 by calling 309-852-4565 to schedule an appointment at their office.
WINTER COATS King’s Harvest will have clothes and coat give away for children and adults every 2nd Saturday. King’s Harvest 824 W 3rd St ., Davenport, IA (563) 570-4536 Grace United Methodist Church has clothes and coats give away from 6:00-7:00 every Wednesday night. 2651 Telegraph Road, Davenport, IA (563 )326-5631. Coats for Kids—Donate new or gently used coats, hats, mittens or write a check to support. Address: 729 21st St., Bettendorf, IA 52722 or any Burke Cleaners locations. (563) 344-6320.
For a more complete list of resources in the Quad Cities, visit http://unitedwayqc.org/resources/resources-for-partner-programs and click on the link to access the online database, or call 2-1-1 to speak with a helpful representative who can refer you to the right agency.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
HOLIDAY SEASON SUPPORT FOR YOUR LITTLE DEAR MATCH COACH NOVEMBER MATCH ANNIVERSARIES & PARTY RAVE ABOUT YOUR LITTLE: KATY GOT A JOB! NEXT STEPS—HIGHER EDUCATION WORKSHOP FESTIVAL OF TREES—BBBS TREE PROJECT NOVEMBER MATCH ACTIVITY—GO BOWL! ABOUT A BIG: KIRK DENISON
ACITIVTY IDEAS—DREAMCATCHER & SPEED READ GET TO KNOW: Jessica Seier HEALTHY KIDS—SUPPORT MILITARY SOUTHERN MENTORING CENTER UPDATE WHITESIDE COUNTY UPDATE CAREER NAVIGATORS NOVEMBER TOUR SAVE THE DATE FOR PUTT-A-ROUND COMMUNITY CALENDAR
COACHES CORNER V O L U M E 6, I S S U E 11
NOVEMBER , 2014
DEAR MATCH COACH: Helping Your Little Show Gratitude Does anyone else’s Little ever say, “thank you”? I have noticed in recent outings and visits with my Little, that when someone does something nice for him, he rarely says “thank you”. In this month of “giving thanks”, how can I help my Little to become more aware of the importance in showing gratitude? Dear Volunteer, A sense of gratitude is an essential ingredient in a happy life, but it does not come naturally to children. Teaching a child the importance of gratitude starts before they can talk and continues until they are an adult. Although you may have not been able to teach your Little from an early age, it is never too late to start reiterating the importance of a simple “thank you”. Below are a few suggestions for teaching your little about gratitude. • Set a Good Example. Example is the best teacher, so let your Little see you show gratitude to others. If you appreciate what others have done for
you, express it and encourage your Little to do the same. • Think Out Loud. Have you ever felt happy just to get out of bed and see the sun shining outside? Don't keep it to yourself! A sense of happy appreciation for the beautiful world around us can be infectious. • Give to the “less fortunate”. Involve your Little in charitable giving or volunteer work. Nothing inspires gratitude like realizing how difficult life can be for other people. If you give to a charity, explain to your Little why you do and ask them to help. Your Little will see that many people do extra work to make our world a better place. • Appeal to your Little’s self-interest. An older child who didn't pick up the gratitude habit early on might believe that expressing gratitude is a ridiculous waste of time. Explain to your Little that their future depends on the ability to say "thank you." After all, who wants to do business with a company who doesn't appreciate its clients? Who wants to continue helping an ungrateful co-worker?
MATCH ANNIVERSARIES IN NOVEMBER! CONGRATS!
Little’s First Name
Big’s First Name
Big’s Last Name
Diamond Mercedes (Sadie) Javier Perionah Cyrus Anthony Sallu Jordan Ava Andrew Jevin Johnathon Nathan Marissa Sean Nevaeh Destiny Tammy Jayden Kelsey Maddy Sofia
Karen Pat Scott Annette Mary Brad Travis Karen Pam John Charles John Cory Ann John Jacqueline Kathy Beverly Jason Joyce Becky Cecilia
OrozcoGutieruiz Minnaert Houzenga Wilson Thee Foreman Guy Turner Thompson Murphy Walters Howes Tedesco Lorentzen Tritt Chatman Kolar Donchez Holtgrewe Orcutt Lorentzen Casas
Years Matched 8 6 5 5 5 4 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2
Little’s First Name
Happy Match Anniversary
Big’s First Name
Big’s Last Name
Years Matched
John Michael Eva Samantha Savanah Charisma LaNiya Nelriah Michael Jadyn Christopher Alecia
Greg Kevin Jodi Amanda Taalor Victoria Amanda Karen Jeff Lyn Luke Kabrina
Gadient Kelly Maxwell Mason Werden Kent Romaniak Koslick Jacobs Jungblut Maloney Davidson
2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Rhylee Cortasia Brandon Kailiona Kevin Daveion Tyler Annabelle Jacob Katie Kahleeyah
Carrie Jaymie Jenna Natalie John Meghan Robert Julianne Henry Sarah Lindsey
Vornkahl Schuldt Griffith Faivre Wickwire Hoyle Knox Cochuyt Plude Kautz Brost
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
MATCH ANNIVERSARY PARTY! Tuesday, November 11, 5 to 7:30 PM Held at the Putman Museum, Davenport email kzick@bbbs-mv.org
COACHES CORNER V O L U M E 6, I S S U E 11
NOVEMBER , 2014
RAVE ABOUT YOUR LITTLE: KATY LANDS A JOB!
OCTOBER NEXT STEPS— GREAT TURNOUT!
NEXT STEP WORKSHOPS: Saturday, November 8, 2014 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Kahl Education Center, 326 W. 3rd Street, Davenport, IA.
Congratulations to Little Sister, Katy! She completed the Job Readiness Program with us last year, and we are so excited to announce that she is currently employed at Friendship Manor. We are so proud of you! Great job, Katy!
Join us for fun and information breakout sessions about scholarships, ACT/SAT prep, FAFSA as well as a luncheon that includes a panel of representatives from community colleges, 4-year colleges, apprenticeships and trades.
HOSTED BY:
LITTLES AGES 14-17. BIGS PLEASE RSVP TO: Kim at kaboyure@bbbs-mv.org
Great Next Step events in October! College Fair at St. Ambrose University and Next Steps kick off dinner, tour and panel at Kaplan University. 25 Matches attended! Way to support your teen Littles!
COACHES CORNER V O L U M E 6, I S S U E 11
NOVEMBER , 2014
ABOUT A BIG: KIRK DENISON AND ALEX How long have you been involved in BBBS? Hard to believe, but it’s been 5 years in January already! What made you decide to become a Big? Since I was single and empty nested, I had free time and felt that I could be a good role model and mentor for a Little. What do you do for a living? I am an IT Tech Lead at John Deere. This entails me supporting a few enterprise wide software packages used at Deere. What is your favorite memory with your Little? My favorite memories are going to River Bandit games, the MV fair, the annual BBBS picnics, and an Iowa Hawkeye football game.
MATCH ACTIVITY IDEAS: DREAM CATCHERS & SPEED READ Dream Catchers
Speed-read
Things you need: One paper plate, hole punch, yarn, stickers, feathers, beads
Turbocharge story time. Choose a word that will be repeated often ("green," for instance, if you're reading Green Eggs and Ham) and have your child stand up or sit down each time he hears it. Add new actions to various words as they come up. Just remember to keep moving!
To start: punches holes in the paper plate. Feed the yarn through the holes to make an interesting pattern. Leave some extra yarn at the bottom of the plate to add decorations. Decorate the plate with whatever craft supplies you have available. String beads onto the extra string and tie knots to secure them. At the end you will have a dreamy dream catcher.
For more fun activity ideas and projects, follow us on Pinterest at BBBS-MV!
COACHES CORNER V O L U M E 6, I S S U E 11
NOVEMBER , 2014
HEALTHY KIDS: SUPPORT OUR TROOPS AND YOUR LITTLE By UnityPoint Health—Trinity Staff With Veteran’s Day coming up, our thoughts are directed toward our military and veterans, particularly those from the Quad Cities. Our area has many resources available to support our troops and veterans, including Jason’s Box, a not-for-profit organization that strives to improve the well-being of our troops and veterans through care packages, education and resources. Jason’s Box can help you and your Little put a smile on the face of a troop who is currently overseas. Connecting with military personnel can be a great way to share with your Little the importance of honoring and thanking those who protect us. Here are a variety of activities you can do together: Write letters to the troops - Writing letters together can be a great way to bond with your Little. Discuss what you both would like the letter to say. This opens a dialogue about the role our military men and women play in keeping our country safe. You can decorate the letter with stickers, ribbon and other embellishments. Create a care package - You and your Little can collect items to send overseas in a care package. Encourage your Little to think about what he or she would miss the most if they were not in the United States for a year and try to include that in the care package. You can also include homemade gifts that you and your Little make together, such as loom bracelets, pictures, drawings, etc. For ideas about what service personnel ask for most, visit http:// www.jasonsbox.com/care-packages.html.
Draw a picture for a serviceman or woman - You and your Little can get creative and draw pictures together. Ask your Little for ideas of what they want to draw, or suggest ideas such as a picture of them, their family or their pet. Send a Holiday Card - The holiday season is almost upon us, and more than ever our service men and women will be missing home. Sending a holiday card can open a discussion about how your Little would feel if they were away from home and their family during the holidays. Take your Little to one of the Veteran’s Day events in the Quad Cities - It will be rewarding for you and your Little to have real life interactions with veterans. If possible, your Little could talk to a veteran and thank them for their service. Or you can have a conversation with your Little about why we celebrate Veteran’s Day. Watch Davenport’s Veteran’s Day Parade on Nov. 11 at 10 a.m., at 4th and Western or attend one of the many other events around the area that honor our veterans.
You can turn your collected items, letters, cards or drawings over to Jason’s Box who will prepare and send them for you to a pre-selected troop. For more information on Jason’s Box, you can visit jasonsbox.com or contact Founder and President Teri Johnson at terij@mchsi.com. Jason’s Box collaborates on projects with UnityPoint Health – Trinity.
Thanks to UnityPoint Health—Trinity for their sponsorship of the BBBS Healthy Kids program.
COACHES CORNER V O L U M E 6, I S S U E 11
NOVEMBER , 2014
SOUTHERN MENTORING CENTER IS IN FULL SWING! Wow, it’s a whirlwind of activity in western Illinois. New matches, loads of interviews and recruiting talks, Bowl For Kids’ Sake coming up…It’s a wonderful feeling when the community (Bigs and Littles, the schools, sponsors and donors, volunteers) comes together to support kids. Community service speaks volumes, and we’re listening. NEW MATCHES We made SEVEN, yes 7, new matches since the last issue!!! This is BBBS’ favorite time of the year; Bigs and Littles are excited to meet, thinking about all the fun activities they can do together, sharing about their lives and interests, the introductions are always so much fun. First, the 6 brand new School-based matches. Look at all these smiling faces! Nothing could be finer. Here are Littles: Cameron, Julianna, Quinton, Braxton, Noah, and Julie with their Bigs : Austyn, Nicole, Zack, Jason, Adam, and Samantha.
Cameron and Austyn
Braxton and Jason
Julianna and Nicole
Julie and Samantha
Quinton and Zack
Noah and Adam
And we had one new Community-based match! Say hello to Little Sister Kelsey and Big Sister Laykyn. Great people, ready to do great things!
Kelsey and INTERVIEWS, INTERVIEWS, INTERVIEWS! Laykan You thought we did a lot of interviews last month? This month has been fast and furious. We’re doing our best to keep up with all the wonderful people who want to join our team, and it’s been a whole lot of fun. 7 new matches this month, and we expect the same number for next month. What an
outstanding bunch of people we have in western Illinois. Real community spirit is alive and well here. OFFICE UPGRADE In October, Woodforest National Bank and Macomb Branch Manager Joni Todd made a very generous donation of a brand new computer. Using an abacus and keeping records on stone tablets was really slowing down the enrollment process here… but no more! (Kidding, of course.) Many thanks to Woodforest and Joni for the upgrade to the BBBS office! BOARD On Monday 6 October we had our monthly Board meeting. All energies are going toward Bowl For Kids’ Sake right now, and it needs to be said that BBBS Warren and McDonough County has the best volunteers on Earth. Nope, that is not up for debate. Everyone is pitching in, and big things are happening. Here’s a great example: on Saturday 4 October some of the Board members went with BBBS staff to Peace of Earth Lodge (in Rushville, IL) for a work day. Peace of Earth was kind enough to donate a wonderful prize for Bowl For Kids’ Sake, so we thought we would repay the favor. Many thanks to Ellie and Dean Zoerink, Dan and Sheryl Yoder, Paula Rhodes, and Bill Jacobs for their time, and as many thanks to Pat and Tim Sullivan for their generosity. Check the photo: BOWL FOR KIDS’ SAKE 2014 UPDATE The 2014 Bowl for Kids’ Sake event will be on Saturday 1 November, at Digger’s College City Bowl. We are working hard to make this year’s the best BFKS Macomb has ever seen, and our supporters are coming through for us. The people of McDonough County believe in what we’re doing, and this partnership with the community is something to be very proud of. Next month’s submission will be chock-full of photos and stories from the event. So excited! There are so many people in Macomb working to raise funds to support BBBS, and one group was especially creative: WIU’s Phi Alpha had a “Pie a Professor in the Face” fundraiser on Campus. It was so much fun, BBBS had to get involved. Here are a few photos:
COACHES CORNER V O L U M E 6, I S S U E 11
NOVEMBER, 2014
WHITESIDE COUNTY NOVEMBER UPDATE Our First Match in Whiteside County!
Ready, Set, Paint your Pumpkin:
Tristen & Jeff. Congratulations on being matched and thanks Jeff for volunteering to be a youth mentor in our program!
United Way of Whiteside County Chili Cook Off: United Way raised over $2,000.00 to help support programs such as Big Brothers Big Sisters for the 2014-2015 program year. Big Brothers Big Sisters was able to help contribute to the cause by hosting the Kids Activity Tent where we made Halloween masks. It was a beautiful day, great turn out, and we hope to be a part of it next year! A BIG thank you to all of our matches that came to see us.
Whiteside County had our first match activity. Bigs and Littles came to enjoy Hot Chocolate, cookies, and pumpkin painting. We have an extremely creative and fun group of matches!
Fall Has Fallen! This Fall has certainly been a busy month for Whiteside County. We attended and hosted the Kids Tent at the United Way Chili Cook Off, made our first match, and had our first match activity! And we can’t make any guarantees that the month of November will be any less busy. For the month of November we are in high recruitment mode here in Whiteside County. We will be going to many local businesses as well as working with our local schools and current volunteers to recruit new volunteers for the children on our waiting list. If you know anyone who you think would be a great Big, or would like us to come to your business, church or community group, please contact Courtney Jones at cjones@bbbs-mv.org or (815) 716-8665.
Something to look forward to: We have nailed down a date for our Christmas Party! Our Whiteside County Christmas party will be Friday December 5th from 6pm-8:30pm. We will be having a pot luck dinner here at our office in Sterling and then going over to the local movie theatre or bowling alley (more details to come, so be on the look out!).
Join Us! Monday, November 3 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 10% of all sales plus tips for our volunteer waiters will go to support one-to-one mentoring at BBBS! SEE YOU THERE!
COACHES CORNER V O L U M E 6, I S S U E 11
N O V E M B E R, 2 0 1 4
SAVE THE DATE! 10th Annual
Putt-A-Round! January 20—23, 2015 Great River Hall at the RiverCenter, Davenport, IA Match Night, Tuesday, January 20! For more information go to www.bbbsmv.org or contact Kayla Kiesey at kkiesey@bbbs-mv.org or 563-323-8006
GET TO KNOW BBBS STAFF: JESSICA SEIER Name: Jessica Seier Position: Elementary Program Specialist Thank you to Jess for completing her AmeriCorps service contract, and best wishes as you move on to your next endeavor! 1. How long have you been working for BBBS? 1 year 2. What is your favorite memory during the time you have been with BBBS? My favorite memory was of a Little (now matched) that during her interview asked if I could be her Big. My second favorite memory was matching her with one of our amazing Bigs and seeing her reaction. She was all smiles! 3. What do you like to do when you’re not working? I love yoga, hiking and running. I try to be outside as much as possible even if it only for few minutes at a time. 4. What advice would you give a child who is in our program? 1. Try everything once. Be open to new experiences because some of my favorite memories were doing things I would have never thought to try. 2. Be honest about what you are struggling with. People are willing to help you achieve any dream you have if you ask.
FESTIVAL OF THE TREES ENTRY: CALLING ALL MATCHES!
BBBS will be entering a tree in the “Budding Designers” area of the Festival of Trees. Help us fill our tree with “Match Selfie” ornaments! Take a selfie of you and your Little together and email it to Jaime at jkeller@bbbs-mv.org. Your picture must be received by Friday, November 14th to be included on our tree. Not only that, but BBBS will be receiving free tickets to Festival of Trees as well as the Holiday Pops concert (Nov. 21 and Nov. 22)! More information on that will be coming soon!
COACHES CORNER
COACHES CORNER V O L U M E 6, I S S U E 11
NOVEMBER, 2014
COMMUNITY CALENDAR—NOVEMBER 2014 SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
1 Home Depot AUGUSTANA CONCERT BAND FALL CONCERT
2
3
4
5
6
7
NEXT STEPS HIGHER EDUCATION WORK SHOP
MOLYNEAUX EUCHRE PIZZA RANCH NIGHT
9
10
LEGO ROBOTICS
11
8
12
13
14
15
19
20
21
22
MATCH ANNIVERSARY PARTY
16
17
18
Helium Balloon Parade
BBBS MATCH ACTIVITY— LET’S BOWL!
AUGUSTANA DANCE CO.
23
24
25
26
27
28
29 Home Depot
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
CHRISTMAS WALK AT PIONEER VILLAGE
OUT AND ABOUT IN THE QUAD CITIES! NOVEMBER Saturday, November 1: Augustana Concert Band fall concert. At Augustana College, 3703 7th Avenue, Rock Island, IL. Call 309-794-7306 for more information. Saturday, November 1 and 29: Home Depot Kids’ Workshops- Your Little will enjoy a hands-on workshop geared towards children ages 5-12. Register ahead at http://workshops.homedepot.com/workshops/kids-workshops. Thursday, November 6: Lego Robotics at the Moline Public Library- The Moline Public Library kicks off "Project Next Generation: Dream, Design, Deliver" with a Lego Robotics Workshop series. Teens and Tweens in grades 5 and up will learn how to assemble and program motorized LEGO robots using LEGO Mindstorm kits. Sessions will take place on Thursdays from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. on November 6, 13, and 20 and December 4, 11, and 18. Attendance at all six sessions is recommended. No experience is necessary, but space is limited and registration is required. For more information, or to register for the program, contact Jan at 309-524-2440.
Friday, November 21: Augustana Dance Company will present their fall show at the Centennial Hall of Augustana College. For details, call 309-794-7306 Saturday, November 22: Experience the largest helium-balloon parade in the Midwest! Live marching bands, balloons towering over 3 stories tall, clowns, floats and more. Come and enjoy the holiday festivities during this annual parade. NEW TIME - 10:15 a.m. Afterwards, visit the RiveCenter in downtown Davenport along the parade route and enjoy Quad City Arts Festival of Trees. The Festival of Trees features beautifully decorated Christmas trees, live entertainment, silent auctions, and a fun-filled North Pole kids area. *** BBBS will be distributing Festival of Trees tickets. Be watching for that information! *** Sunday, November 30: Enjoy a trip back to yesteryear for the annual Christmas Walk at Pioneer Village in Long Grove. Santa will be in the General Store with cookies and hot drinks for sale. There will also be music, crafts and games. Admission is free with a donation of a non-perishable food item. Call 563-328-3283 to learn more.