Big Brothers, Big Sisters comes to Floyd County

By Kate Hayden | khayden@charlescitypress.com

Big Brothers and Big Sisters (BBBS) of Northeast Iowa is searching for 40 new Bigs in Floyd County as part of their “100 Bigs in 100 Days” campaign.

The national organization pairs mentors with kids ages 5-18 years who need consistent role models. Since joining with Caring Connections of Floyd County in July, BBBS is capable of serving up to 60 kids this year, BBBS of Northeast Iowa CEO Katie Orlando said.

“Once we start recruiting, we’ll get even more kids applying. We never have problems finding the kids, it’s the mentors (needed),” Orlando said.

In particular, the Floyd County BBBS is searching for men to step up as Big Brothers.

“Big Sisters, women feel more comfortable in the mentor role,” Orlando said. “We could use some good men.”

“Bigs” accepted into the program can meet with their matches either out in the community, with Bigs and Littles scheduling meet-ups at events or community locations, or during school time on a regular basis. Matches are asked to spend at least four hours a month, Orlando said.

“Some people like to keep it consistent. My Little Sister, we try to find what time works best for us,” Orlando said.

Orlando and her Little volunteer at their local food bank once a month, and she also takes her Little grocery shopping so they can cook a meal together. Other matches will play games, go for walks or check out restaurants to help build those relationships –– low- or no-cost activities for the matches.

“It’s about exposing kids to the experiences,” Orlando said.

While community-based mentoring allows for flexibility, the school-based model can be helpful for kids who need a consistent schedule. The model works for volunteers who can meet students on a regular basis during the school day, and can take time away from an office that supports volunteerism among employees. It also works for kids whose parents or guardians can’t give the support needed to help matches meet outside of the school day, and lets teachers monitor the students’ progress.

“It works for kids who work well with structure. Some kids could benefit from knowing exactly when their mentor is coming,” Orlando said.

To be accepted into the program, Bigs go through a 90-minute interview where BBBS asks about their life, hobbies and experiences that may make them a good fit for certain kids waiting to be matched by BBBS. After the interview, they also go through a two-hour orientation process before meeting their Little.

“The mentor should know they’ll be very well supported along the way,” Orlando said. “We’ll help in every area they might need.”

The program asks for an 18-month commitment from Bigs to stay with their Little, so kids have a steady role model who doesn’t leave their life too soon like some relatives or loved ones –– 9 percent of Floyd County kids have an incarcerated parent, Orlando said.

“Our agency average (match length) is five years. Some of our matches have been together for 12 years in Waterloo,” Orlando said. “With Caring Connections, there’s a bunch of matches. We’re excited to help them continue to build and grow strong, long-standing relationships and great, fresh new ones.”

Caring Connections was originally founded in Floyd County on the basis of the BBBS model and is now mostly dissolved, Orlando said. BBBS now occupies the Floyd County Courthouse, and a Caring Connections employee was hired full-time by BBBS along with a part-time position. To get started, potential mentors can contact Meagan Wrecsics at the Floyd County office, 641-257-6160, or visit Iowabigs.org for more information and a pre-application.

“The big misconception is that they don’t have enough time or won’t be a good enough mentor,” Orlando said. “Being a mentor doesn’t mean you have a certain education or upbringing…it doesn’t take that much to be a mentor if you have the passion, experiences and a little bit of time.”

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