The Impact of BBBS

Since 1999, I've spent about 8 years mentoring children through Big Brothers Big Sisters, and I witnessed a difference in the two kiddos that I worked with. Evan went from a sassy kindergartener with little respect for adults to a polite 3rd grader, who beemed each day that I came to have lunch with him. The other, Amanda, had a rough life at home, parents who cared a little, and a self-esteem that was beyond low. After spending a few hours with her once a month, I saw more confidence and recently she shared with me that she's even graduated from Kirkwood!

However, it's the time that I've spent as Program Director at the agency, that's brought a true understanding about the financial needs and what it takes to serve these kids. Last year, we matched 752 kids with a one-to-one mentor, and continued supporting these matches with resources, tickets to events in the community, activities, and support. The cost to support one of these matches is about $1200 each year, and that is why our Bowl for Kids Sake fundraiser is so important.

Please consider donating online to this cause. With your donations, I will be bowling for the agency and these kids, and 100% of the funds raised will go back to providing children in the Cedar Rapids area with a mentor. For the kids, it's simple: they just want to feel special. For the volunteers, they are teaching about opportunity. And for you, as a donor, it's as little as giving $5.

 

And in case you need a little more of a reason to contribute, read Xavier's story below:

 

Damon and Xavier are a great match and have built a close relationship with one another since being matched in 2010, with that bond extended to and including all of Damon’s family. Damon’s young daughters look up to Xavier as their big brother! Damon has been instrumental in helping Xavier get on the right track academically and socially.

Damon and Xavier are participating in the agency’s CARE Program this fall, hoping to develop better habits toward positive academic achievement. Damon felt that offering a challenge to Xavier might help encourage him and so he told Xavier that if he had a 3.2 GPA at the end of the trimester, Xavier could shave Damon’s head! Damon knew a 3.2 GPA was going to be quite a stretch and wasn’t too concerned about it but, as you can see from the photo, Xavier stepped up and not only achieved the goal but well exceeded the goal, putting him on a path to success! 

With Damon’s support, Xavier became involved in extra-curricular activities at school, helping him build positive social relationships. Their most recent activity was doing a job shadow together. Xavier had expressed interest in being a construction manager so Damon lined up a job shadow for them. Xavier had a chance to review blueprints, helped prepare a cost estimate for a job and got to visit an actual construction site! Damon said it was a fun day for both of them.

 

Donate Today: http://bfkscr.kintera.org/kristihansen