Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliate reports growth in school-based mentoring; director to retire in July

The district received a presentation from the Heart of Iowa Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliate summarizing school-based mentoring activity and local partnerships; the organization’s director said she will retire in July.

The presenter, who identified herself as director since 2011 (14 years as director, 18 with the organization), said the local affiliate has grown from 143 matches in 2023 to 160 matches in 2024. She said Big Brothers Big Sisters follows national standards and Iowa Mentor elements of effective practice, conducts background checks and reference checks for volunteers and provides safety and prevention training to volunteers and staff.

The presenter described survey results the affiliate collects from teachers, youth and volunteer mentors. She said teacher surveys show improvements in academics, attendance, self-confidence and relationships for mentored students. In youth outcome surveys, she reported high percentages for students who say they enjoy school, plan to graduate, and avoid juvenile justice; she also said about 25% of littles reported feeling alone often or almost always. The presenter emphasized that longer mentor–mentee matches generally produce stronger outcomes.

Funding and partnerships cited included a prevention grant from Iowa Health and Human Services, a March Town (Marshalltown) Noon Rotary grant supporting a vision program and collaborations with Marshall County Public Health, Lions Club and local dental and vision providers. The affiliate plans a Race for the Kids fundraiser on July 26 at Emerson’s Innovation Center and a back-to-school one-stop event on Aug. 17 at Miller cafeteria offering vision checks, dental screenings, immunization updates and school supplies.

The director said the affiliate has strong school partnerships in every district building and thanked district staff; board members presented the director a token of appreciation and acknowledged her upcoming retirement in July.