October 2013 coaches corner by Milepost Ventures, LLC

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BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS NATIONAL STANDARDS Why do we do what we do? What is the function of match support and how does it affect you and our organization’s mission? It may seem tedious to receive a call each month but this element of our mission (match support) is critical and at the core of the quality of our mission and safety of our matches. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley is an independent corporation. However, we are affiliated with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the nation’s largest and oldest youth mentoring organization. There are over 460 independent affiliates across the county that agree to operate under the Big Brothers Big Sisters. Each affiliate must agree to two core principles- that we are an evidence-based organization that strives to improve the quality and safety of each match under our care, and we agree to use data and performance metrics to drive the core standards and practices of our day to day operation. Agreeing to the above two principles also ensures we receive the support and resources from Big Brothers Big Sisters to operate locally. One important element of this support is liability insurance for each and every adult and child matched in our organization. Other resources include pass through grants from government, corporations and foundations, the Agency Information Management system that we use to enroll and support matches, measurement tools such as the Strength of Relationship, Youth Outcome Survey and Performance Outcome Evaluation, as well as the new online training platform Mentor U. Match support, or the method we use to maintain consistent contact with our active matches so critical to our short and long term success. Principally, it is used to monitor the safety of the match, both adult and child. Match support also allows an open dialogue between BBBS and the stakeholders in

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the match (parent, volunteer, child, teacher) to address a number of issues, challenges or opportunities that might arise through the match relationship. We are able to advocate for the well-being of the child through our contacts with the teacher and adult mentor. We can connect other community resources to support a family struggling. We are able to provide the matches with opportunities in the community to strengthen and grow the match. At the center of match support is this question: are we holding ourselves accountable for the well-being, safety and development of each and every child and volunteer entrusted to our care? Are we advocates, supporters and a resource to the volunteers who give so generously of their time and talents to help a child gain self-worth, motivation, and a positive outlook for their futures. Can we measure that success? Can we anticipate the future needs of the match to help it grow for both participants? 2013-2014 National Standards require:

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Community-Based and School-Based matches under 1 year require monthly contacts. Community-Based and School-Based matches over a year require contacts every three months. 92% of required contacts need to be completed for BBBS to meet national standards. Quality conversations that reflect the overall health of each match. A Youth Development Plan for each match. The YODP is a way for each match to have measureable goals to work toward building a healthy match. During the anniversary month of each match, it is required that the match meets with their match coach to discuss the year, talk through goals and complete paperwork.

We want to hear your stories! If you have any questions about the standards we use, please don’t hesitate to email Kim Aboyure at kaboyure@bbbsmv.org or call 563-323-8006.

BBBS achieved 90% during the program year of July 2012-June 2013. Each Match Coach is expected to achieve 92% each month this program year.

BBBS National Standards Match Anniversaries and Party! Welcome AmeriCorps Members Get to Know BBBS—Jay Justin SAVE THE DATES—Upcoming events A Match Story—Persistence Pays Off! Career Navigators—October Tours Whiteside County Updates

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Bowl For Kids Sake—Macomb Success Younkers Community Days HavLIFE—Sign Up Your Little Healthy Kids—Exercising! 25th Anniversary Picnic—Pics Activity Ideas for Your Little and You October Match Activity—Knobbe Farm Community Calendar—Out & About

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OCTOBER MATCH ANNIVERSARIES! LITTLE’S NAME

BIG’S NAME

YEARS MATCHED

Oliviya Alexis Joneshia Lily

Connie Sean Lisa Bonnie

Jones McQueen Lindholm Adams

9 years 6 years 6 years 5 years

Christian Kira Jerrion

Teri Colleen John

Minnaert Davis Menard

5 years 5 years 4 years

Kelsey

Chris

Paris

4 years

Michael

Donald

Marple

4 years

Danaisa

Pam

Goodwin

4 years

Mario

Stephanie

Hoyt

4 years

Marionna

Jan

Leone

4 years

Maricela

Elisabeth

Vartabedian

4 years

Hannah

Michelle

Wild

4 years

Jacob

Chay

Hall

3 years

Kristina

Tina

Thomas

3 years

Dominick

Austin

Taylor

3 years

Garett

Brian

Harry

3 years

Kristina

Julie

Weeks

3 years

Katilyn

Amy

Monroe

3 years

Tyler

Shelley

Wiborg

3 years

Amanda

Michele

Stoos

2 years

LITTLE’S NAME

BIG’S NAME

YEARS MATCHED

Marylou

Michelle

Delaney

2 years

Jaequan

Craig

Malin

2 years

Evan

Londa

Rodas

2 years

CeCe

Jen

McGee

2 years

Brianna

Susan

Carey

2 years

Noahdyah Anna Lilliana

Ramos

2 years

Natalie

Cassidy

Horsley

1 year

Brandin

Jim and Polly Brownson

1 year

Matthew

Thomas

Sokolik

1 year

Christian

Andrew

Petersen

1 year

Zahid

Robb

Fisher

1 year

Darryl

Doug

Hultquist

1 year

Nevaeh

Penny

Furne

1 year

Athena

Ann

Baughman

1 year

Lucky

Bob

Bartel

1 year

Miranda

Ann

Heeren

1 year

Molly

Jo Ellen

Winegar

1 year

Dalton

John

Osborne

1 year

If you are celebrating an anniversary with your Little, please join us on Wednesday, October 16, 5 to 6 p.m. at the BBBS offices 130 W. 5th St., Davenport and celebrate your Match Anniversary!

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Welcome AmeriCorps Members! Big Brothers Big Sisters would like to welcome our newest AmeriCorps Members to the team: Jaymie Schuldt, Leslie Beert, Megan Haselroth, Elizabeth Sierra, and Destiney Shelton. Jaymie Schuldt and Leslie Beert will be serving as Match Coaches. Megan Hasselroth will be serving as an Enrollment and Matching Specialist. Elizabeth will be serving as our Customer Relations Specialist, and Destiney Shelton will be serving as our Career Navigators Assistant. We are extremely thankful for their service in reaching our goal; to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported 1-to-1 relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.

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Without AmeriCorps members at Big Brothers Big Sisters we would only be able to serve a fraction of the children that we actually reach. “AmeriCorps engages more than 75,000 men and women in intensive service each year at more than 15,000 locations including nonprofits, schools, public agencies, and community and faith-based groups across the country (http://www.americorps.gov/pdf/factsheet_americorps.pdf).” If you are interested in finding out more about AmeriCorps or how you can serve with Big Brothers Big Sisters, please contact AmeriCorps Program Director, Courtney Jones at cjones@bbbs-mv.org or (563) 323-8006 ext. 217.

GET TO KNOW BBBS: JAY JUSTIN, CEO/PRESIDENT Name: Jay Justin Role at Big Brothers Big Sisters: CEO / President

What advice would you give a child who is in our program? Take advantage of the opportunities that are put in front of you. Be confident, don’t be afraid to make mistakes, and try, try, try! Quitters never win!

When is your birthday? September 3rd How long have you been working for BBBS? 10 years What is your favorite memory during the time you have been with BBBS? 1) Seeing my “Little Brother”, Robert graduate from Davenport West High School with honors 2) Seeing BBBS match the 1,000 child 3) The opening of the QC Office, 4) Every year when I see the Performance Outcome Evaluation highlighting the great strides our kids are making! What do you like to do when you are not working? Spend time with my kids, coaching baseball, serving on committees/volunteering, camping.

ASK A CO-WORKER TO BECOME A BIG!

CHECK WITH YOUR EMPLOYER AND SEE IF WE CAN COME IN AND DO A VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT PRESENTATION!

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PERSISTENCE PAYS OFF! PAT AND ANIKA The BBBS program also helps a child improve in many “soft skills” and in Pat Pyle met a shy little girl named Anika in March of 2012, when Pat academic performance. became a school-based Big Sister of Anika at Wethersfield Elementary in According to a recent, Kewanee, IL. In the beginning of the relationship, Anika was a bit quiet and local survey (Performance reserved. “She was as quiet as a mouse”, says Pyle, “it was difficult to get Outcomes Evaluation, her to talk or even to smile.” POE) done of 300+ After a while, Anika’s family decided to move her to another elementary teachers who are school in Kewanee. Even though Pat preferred the Match be at educating children who Wethersfield, a school she knew and was comfortable in, she decided the are involved in the BBBS relationship was much too important to end because of a change in schools. mentoring program, 65% She followed Anika to the new school where they both adjusted. Anika had of the children enrolled in to make another school change because of her entering 2nd grade. Again, Pat the BBBS program made the move with Anika to the newest school. Pat even chose to visit showed improvement in Anika during the summer while she attended summer school. their grades overall. 61% Pat believes she needs to be very consistent about the relationship she of the children enrolled in has with Anika. She feels it’s important to be there for Anika on a regular the program showed basis and not to abandon her just because of school changes. “I have improvement in their selfenjoyed watching Anika grow and change for the past couple of years. She is confidence. 54% showed doing well in school and loves to read now,” says Pyle. “It is so much fun to an improvement in their ability to express their feelings and 52% showed visit with Anika. She is always talking and excited about something. It improvement in their self-motivation. doesn’t matter if we eat lunch, play outside or read our books. Her eyes When asked what she would tell someone who is considering becoming a twinkle and you can see she is enjoying our time together,” Pyle said “Big” in the program, Pat replied, “Do it! Children sometimes need a good smiling. friend that maybe just listens to them and encourages them. It is fun to When asked about why a community should support a mentoring watch them change.” program Pat replied, “Parents have a busy life now-a-days and are short of For more information about volunteering to be a BBBS mentor call time. Big Brothers Big Sisters gives a little help to them by giving extra support to have their children well-adjusted in our world.” 563-323-8006 or go to www.bbbs-mv.org.

By Beth Clark, BBBS Staff

Community-Based Matches with Littles in 6th through 12th grades!

JOIN US FOR CAREER NAVIGATOR SITE VISITS ! Career Navigators activities are designed to help Bigs “navigate” Littles through the exploration of career interests and encourage academic and social success. These are simple, one hour experiences of business and educational opportunities in the QCA.

CONTACT YOUR MATCH COACH TO REGISTER 563-323-8006 Wednesday, October 9, 4:15-5:15 The Brandt Company (formerly Fidlar Printing) 1515 E. Kimberly Road Davenport, Iowa Tuesday, October 15, 4:30-5:30 pm Local 25 Plumbers & Pipefitters 4612 46th Avenue Rock Island, Illinois Wednesday, October 23, 4:15—5:15 Quad City Times 500 E. 3rd Street Davenport, Iowa

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WHITESIDE COUNTY—OCTOBER CALENDAR

Empowering Disabilities Event at SVCC 11:30 am-5:30 pm. For more info contact Jessica at 815-625-8885 Oct 5 Pumpkin Dash- Free event at Woodlawn, Sterling Oct 8 Free Hypnotist Show at SVCC 7 pm Oct 12 Downtown Sterling Harvest Moon Festival (All Day) Oct 12 United Way Chili Cook-off 11:30 am Oct 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Sauk Valley Martial Arts Bullying Program. Every Wednesday in October from 6:30-8 pm at the Center for Youth. The program is free, just call 815-716-8665 to register Oct 22 Comedian Lucas Bohn at SVCC 7 pm Oct 25 Family Fright Night 6-9 pm at Duis Center Oct 25, 26, 27 Sterling High School play “Done to Death” at Centennial Auditorium Oct 26 Interactive Rocky Horror Picture Show at Timberlake Playhouse 815-244-2035 Oct 26 1-4 pm Downtown Morrison Halloween Parade and Fun Fair

Ask a friend to become a “Big”! It’s really fun to be a mentor. You can be a schoolbased mentor (meet at Little’s school for lunch) and it only takes about 45 minutes a week! Call Loni today and find out more. Direct Line: (815) 441-9118

BOWL FOR KIDS’ SAKE—MACOMB, IL, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2013 WIU RPTA Grad Students

Cody Speer and his “Little Brother”

The Queen’s Challenge

“Little Brother” Junior and his friends

Thank You!

THANKS TO ALL WHO BOWLED AND CONTRIBUTED TO BBBS IN OUR BOWL FOR KIDS SAKE—MACOMB, IL

Arnold Brothers Heating & Cooling Century 21, Steve Silberer Charlene Callison Dodworth-Piper-Wallen First Bankers Trust Company Laverdiere Construction Macomb Glass Macomb Rotary Club Macomb School District Mike & Melissa Inman & Family McDonald’s No Place Like Home Pioneer Hi-Bred International Professional Eyecare Center Refreshment Services—Pepsi State Bank of Industry State Farm Insurance—Cathy Early Wayland Ready-Mix Concrete Western Illinois Credit Union Western Illinois University Athletics WIU Social Work Student Association

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$5.00 COUPON BOOK CAN SAVE YOU HUNDREDS!

Community Days at Younkers is set for Nov. 15—16. Buy your coupon book through the web address listed below and the $5 you pay to receive the booklet will go directly back to support BBBS! GO TO: http://bit.ly/17lY2w7

ASK YOUR MATCH COACH ABOUT HAVlife! There are many exciting opportunities for children to get involved with in the Quad Cities. Sports, music, or the arts. Unfortunately, those activities sometimes just cost too much, and the child ends up disappointed and with lost potential. BBBS has partnered with the HAVlife Foundation to ensure that any Little who wants to be involved in an extra-curricular activity has the ability to do so. The HAVlife Foundation exists to help bridge the financial gap and eliminate “lost potential” in students by providing funds for various activities in athletics, music and arts. Need ideas? BBBS maintains a list of available activities that might interest your Little. Contact your Match Coach to learn more.

IF YOU HAVE A “RAVE” ABOUT YOUR LITTLE SEND IT IN TO YOUR MATCH COACH FOR THE NEXT COACHES CORNER!

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HEALTHY KIDS: IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH BY EXERCISING By Unity Point Health—Trinity Staff

Exercise to do with children Children need to be exposed to a wide range of activities to stay healthy and fit. Free play, such as running and tumbling on soft surfaces like grass, can be great activities for children. They can always participate in other aerobic activities like soccer, swimming, tennis or jogging. Muscle-strengthening activities such as swinging across the monkey bars or doing push-ups can help kids build strength and stamina. Things to keep in mind about exercising

     All over the world, people participate in some sort of exercise, sport or physical activity. Various benefits can be attained from exercising on a regular basis. Exercise is essential for keeping both your mind and your body in shape. Choosing the right type of exercise for you is also important.

Warm up before exercising and start slowly Stay hydrated by drinking a lot of water during and after exercising Get plenty of sleep Follow a healthy diet (fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low fat dairy) Arrange your schedule to stay consistent with the exercising plan

Why is it important to exercise? “Regular exercise every week can improve your metabolism, give you energy, keep you healthier, and prevent injuries....and just plain make you feel better,” says Ryan Clarke, Manager of Trinity Outpatient Rehabilitation Services. “Not exercising, or staying inactive could be as much of a health risk as smoking!” To stay healthy, or to improve your health, you need two types of physical activity every week: aerobic and muscle-strengthening.

 Exercise for adults Clarke provides these guidelines for adults up to age 64: At least 150 minutes or 2 ½ hours a week of moderate intensity aerobics like cycling, fast walking or doubles tennis. And muscle-strengthening activities at least two days a week that work all major muscle groups. “That’s legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms. For variety, try a mix of moderate and vigorous aerobic activity, like two 30-minute runs and 30 minutes of fast walking. And don’t forget that muscle-strengthening,” says Clarke.

Include exercise in your everyday activities as well, like taking the stairs or walking to the store

Thanks to Unity Point Health—Trinity for their support of our Healthy Kids Program!

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25TH ANNIVERSARY PICNIC: LOTS OF FUN FOR ALL!

More than 200 Bigs, Littles, supporters and their families Mississippi Valley. Everyone had a great time participating in arrived at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 29th to celebrate 20+ activities, enjoying great picnic food and watching the 25th Anniversary of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sandlot on the jumbotron at Modern Woodmen Park.

Thanks to all who attended, Modern Woodmen Park and our gracious sponsors for making this a special day! Location Host:

Presenting Sponsor:

Food Sponsor:

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ACTIVITY IDEAS FOR YOU AND YOUR LITTLE

By Jaime Keller, Match Coach

What to do? What to do? Do you ever feel like you’re in a rut when deciding what to do with your Little? Getting bored with movies, playing Candyland or going to the mall? Each month, we will offer suggestions for both Community and School-Based matches that will hopefully make your activity planning a little bit easier! Don’t forget that BBBS offers a match activity once a month for Community-Based matches, and be sure to check out the community calendar on the last page of the Coaches Corner to find out what else is being offered in and around the QC! Community-Based matches, try out a few of these fun October activities! -Go to a football game, or teach your Little how to throw a football. -Go on a haunted hayride. -Volunteer at a local animal shelter. -Learn how to do a simple magic trick together. -Visit a local farm or the John Deere Pavilion. -Rake a neighbor’s yard together. CONTACT YOUR MATCH COACH ABOUT AVAILABLE EVENT/SPORT TICKETS OR DISCOUNTS. Here are some ideas for our School-Based matches! There is plenty for you to do as well. Try out some of these fun ideas during your October lunch visits. -Make a Halloween mask from a paper bag. -Decorate mini pumpkins with foam stickers and paint. -Learn how to do a simple magic trick together. -Teach your Little how to throw a football. -Buy a jewelry kit from the Dollar Store and make a bead necklace or bracelet.

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR — OCTOBER 2013 1

INDOOR TURF FOOTBALL AT RIVER’S EDGE IN DAVENPORT

5 Davenport Junior Theatre—Cinderella

TALES AT RIVERSIDE CEMETARY

Davenport Junior Theatre—Cinderella

CAREER NAVIGATORS TOUR

Davenport Junior Theatre—Cinderella

19 Kidz Days at the River Music Experience

Match Anniversary Party 5-6 p.m.

BBBS Match Activity at Knobbe Farm

Pumpkin Carving at QC Botanical Center

27 City of Bettendorf 28 Halloween Parade Family Museum, Bettendorf Fun Activities

CAREER NAVIGATORS TOUR

Halloween Public Skate at River’s Edge Davenport

Fright Night in the Rock Island District

Bigs’ Night Out 5:30—7 p.m. Rivals Sports Bar & Grille

OUT AND ABOUT IN THE QUAD CITIES! OCTOBER Friday, October 4- Join the rec staff at the River’s Edge on Friday, along with football, pumpkin painting, tie-dye, a hay-rack ride and more! October 4th from 6-9 pm for a night of indoor turf football! Cost is just $4 See the flyer on page 10 for more information. RSVP to your match and includes refreshments. coach. 563-323-8006. Friday, October 4- The Moline Parks and Rec Department along with Riverside Cemetery will be hosting Tales at Riverside, an evening of seasonal “storytelling”, on Friday, October 4th from 6:00-7:30pm for free. Refreshments will be available. Bring a lawn chair.

Sunday, October 20- Pumpkin carving at the Quad City Botanical Center on Sunday, October 20 from 1-4 pm. Call 309-794-0991 for admission details.

Saturday and Sunday, October 5,6,12,13- Davenport Junior Theatre will present Cinderella. Admission is $5 for ages up to 17 and $7 for adults. Tickets are sold at the door. Call 563-326-7862 for more information.

Thursday, October 24- Downtown Rock Island will be transformed for Fright Night in the District. Children and adults alike will enjoy spooky surprises from 5-8 pm. Enjoy storytelling, pumpkin carving, costumes, and make-and-take activities. Call 309-788-6311 to learn more.

Sunday, October 13– BLAZIN BAGS TOURNAMENT! Starts at noon in the Village of East Davenport, 11th Street. $40 per two-person team ($50 per team day of event). Call Kayla at BBBS 563-323-8006 to register or go to www.bbbs-mv.org and register on line.

Saturday, October 26- Halloween themed public skate and costume contest at The River’s Edge ice rink on Saturday, October 26 from 2-5 pm. Prizes will be awarded for best costumes. Normal public skating fees apply, so call 563-328-7275 to learn more.

Saturday, October 19- Don’t miss Kidz Days at River Music Experience featuring native QC musicians, The Myers Brothers, and offering live music and kid-geared musical activities. Starts at 10:30 am and is just $5 for adult, while children are free. Call 563-326-1333 for details.

Sunday, October 27- City of Bettendorf Halloween parade begins at 1 pm, starting at Middle Road and 23rd Street on Sunday, October 27th.

Saturday, October 19- BBBS October Match Activity- Join us at the Knobbe house for a fun fall evening. Enjoy a wiener roast and s’mores

Sunday, October 27- The Family Museum will host fun activities including pumpkin decorating, horse carriage rides, games, make-and-take activities and more. Come in costume and celebrate the season! Call 563 -344-4106.

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