1823 Logan Street
Muscatine, Iowa 52761
563.263.9996
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Program Director: Krista Regennitter A Muscatine native, Krista received a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Studies from Portland State University in Portland, Oregon, in June of 2000. She has been employed by the Muscatine Community Y since September of 2002 as the Big Brothers Big Sisters School Based Mentoring Coordinator. In July of 2004, Krista accepted the position of Big Brothers Big Sisters Program Director. Krista lives in Muscatine with her husband, Nathan, their son, Leo, and their four dogs, Sheppi, Bear, Koda, and Rudy.
Enrollment & Match Specialist: E-mail: dmckasson@muscatiney.org Dot McKasson a native of Silex, Missouri, is the oldest of seven children. She attended Truman State University in Kirksville, MO where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a Master’s degree in Counseling. She taught for three years in LaGrange, MO and then moved to Fort Dodge, IA where she was a counselor at South Junior High. She moved to Muscatine in 1975 to work at Louisa-Muscatine Schools as the high school counselor. Upon retirement from L-M in June 2005, she began working at Muscatine Community Y for Big Brothers Big Sisters in September of that same year as Enrollment and Match Specialist. She and her husband, Dave, live in Muscatine and are the proud grandparents of Kendall and Max. Match Support Specialist: Kris Weis E-mail: kweis@muscatiney.org Kris graduated from the U of Iowa with a BA and the U of Mo-Columbia with a Master of Social Work. She has lived in Muscatine since 1981. She has worked at Family Resources Inc., Lutheran Services in Iowa briefly, and The Halltree clothing store. Before any of those, for 10 years she was volunteer buyer/manager of The Window Box, Unity HealthCare gift shop and is again for recent 3 years. Kris has also served on many community boards and organizations, including Leadership Muscatine Steering Committee, United Way, MCSA, The YWCA (now Muscatine Community Y), and the Muscatine School Board for 2 elected terms. Her husband works at Unity HealthCare; they have three grown son.
Big Brothers Big Sister
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“Expanding horizons through the power of one-to-one friendships”
The vision of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Muscatine County, a program of the Muscatine Community Y, is successful mentoring relationships for all children who need and want them, contributing to better schools, brighter futures, and stronger communities for all in Muscatine, Louisa and Cedar counties. Being a Big Brother, Big Sister, or a Big Couple is about being a friend, and brining a little magic into your life, and that of a child. Our impact on children
About Us One of the biggest misconceptions about being a Big Brother, Big Sister or a Big Couple is that it means being a perfect role model. What it really means is being a friend, and bringing a little magic into your life and that of a child. Think back to when you were a kid. Who was it that brought magic into your life just by being there? Who do you always remember with a smile? Maybe it was an aunt who taught you to cook, or a neighbor who let you help him fix his car. Or maybe it was someone who just included you in everyday activities of life because it was fun – for both of you. Being a Big is one of the best decisions you will ever make. It means a chance to gain a new friend, and see the world – and be seen - through fresh new eyes. No matter where you are in life right now, being a Big will make it better. Our Mentoring Programs Work
1 Tierney, J.P., Grossman, J.B., and Resch, N.L. (1995) Making a Difference: An Impact Study of Big Brothers Big Sisters. Philadelphia: Public/Private Ventures One Hour a Week Can Make a BIG Difference.Big Brothers Big Sisters matches children ages 5 through 16 with mentors in professionally supported one-to-one relationships. We have volunteer programs in Muscatine and Louisa counties. Making the Connection
How a Big becomes a Big (and a Little a Little)A lot of things have to happen before we make a match. After they express an interest in our volunteer opportunities, all our Bigs go through a thorough background check and careful interview process. Then we match Bigs and Littles based on location, personalities and preferences. And we provide full support for our volunteer programs along the way — so that matches can grow into lasting friendships.Volunteering is fun! Being a Big Brother or Sister is simple and rewarding. It is as easy as showing your new Little Brother or Sister how to play a favorite computer game, bake an apple pie or reading the funnies together. We’ve learned that being someone special to a child doesn’t take much more than that. But the impact is huge—for both of you! Male Mentors Wanted! Though Big Brothers Big Sisters is always looking for volunteers from all walks of life, right now there is a greater need for men. Being a Big Brother is one of the most rewarding things you will ever do. As a Big Brother, you get to be a kid again for an hour a week while you give a kid the invaluable gift of your friendship. Of the boys waiting for a Big Brother right now, there’s one wanting to play video games, shoot hoops, or just hang out with someone just like you! You've been thinking about getting involved. You know the importance of volunteering, how easy it is and how much your help is needed. Why not apply to be a Big today? Becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister is designed to build a match based on shared interests, personality and your volunteer preferences. Quick Steps to Become a Big
Spending Time with Your Little
We'll Support You Interested in other ways to get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters? Check out these opportunities! Big Brothers Big Sisters Advisory Committee: The purpose of the Advisory Committee is to enable the Muscatine Community Y and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Muscatine County to better address the concerns, interests and service needs of the Big Brothers Big Sisters service target population. Areas of focus are strategic leadership, governance and oversight and development of financial resources. Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl For Kids’ Sake Committee: Provides leadership and hands-on outreach to secure partnerships with companies, organizations and individuals for sponsorships and participation in Bowl For Kids Sake. This committee works to help Big Brothers Big Sisters reach our financial goals so we can serve more children in Muscatine, Louisa and Cedar Counties. Bowl For Kids’ Sake Participant: It’s not about bowling! It’s about having fun and taking part in an informal group outing with people you know and like. Be a Team Captain, Bowler or Supporter! Bowl For Kids’ Sake is BBBS’ most important fundraiser, contributing about 30% of our budget. As a bowler, you sign up “sponsors” (friends, colleagues, neighbors) on the pledge sheet, and then go have fun at the bowling party. Big Brothers Big Sisters takes care of collecting the pledges. Check out the Bowl For Kids’ Sake section of this web site for more information. Making a Big Difference in Your Community…become a volunteer partner!Are you looking for a way for your company or organization to get involved in your community and make a Big difference? A volunteer partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters achieves this and more. To inquire about a volunteer partnership, please contact Krista Regennitter, kregennitter@muscatiney.org or call 263-9996. A Big Thank You!
If you are an employee at one of these volunteer partners ask your Human Resource Department for more information about becoming a School Based Mentor. Give your child the gift of a mentor — and a new friend. When people think of mentoring programs, they think of Big Brothers Big Sisters. As an established youth organization, for more than 100 years we’ve worked to develop youth mentoring programs that work. Our experienced approach to recruiting, screening, matching and supporting our mentoring relationships has resulted in lasting relationships, and helped change the lives of young people in our community. Parents are our Partners.
Your child's safety is very important to us.
Big Brothers Big Sisters also provides child safety tips to you and your child, and we welcome your questions and feedback. Throughout the life of the match, our professional staff will be in ongoing communication with you, your child, and your child's Big. Our staff and your child’s Big, with your support, are committed to the healthy growth and development of your child.
Help us reach more children! If you would like to make a difference in a child’s life by making a tax-deductible donation, please contact Krista Regennitter, Program Director, or mail your donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Muscatine, 1823 Logan St., Muscatine, IA 52761. Support from individuals like you is vital to provide mentors for children in your community. And we know they need them. It isn’t easy being a kid these days. In these complex and confusing times, children need a caring adult to be a mentor and a friend — someone they can talk to, have fun with, and learn from. Donating will help to:
Your donation stays local. When you donate to Big Brothers Big Sisters 100% of your donation directly supports children in our community. Have fun with friends to help kids. Bowl for Kids’ Sake is Big Brothers Big Sisters’ signature fundraising event. It features bowlers and sponsors who are people just like you, who want to give back to children in our community. Consider becoming a Team Captain, asking your family, friends and co-workers to join in your efforts! Team Captains encourage friends to become part of their teams. Team members then ask their family and friends for support through a donation. Bowl for Kids’ Sake is an easy and fun way to make a difference, and everyone can get involved as bowler, team captain, or a sponsor. It’s a party with a team of friends, family, neighbors or colleagues. Remember it’s not your skill or your score that counts – it’s your effort! If you care about kids and can spare a little time for fun, then Bowl for Kids’ Sake is right up your alley! All money raised will go to support the local Big Brothers Big Sisters Program! The date for Bowl For Kids’ Sake 2009 is yet to be set. Check back this fall for more information! Bowl For Kids’ Sake 2008 Thank you to the over 350 bowlers who helped raise pledges, all those who supported those bowlers with a donation, all the volunteers that helped the day of the event and to our Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl For Kids’ Sake Planning Committee and Advisory Committee. Many people contributed many hours of their personal time to make this event such a success!! In addition, we would like to thank our Platinum, Gold and Silver sponsors; HNI Corporation, Muscatine Foods Corporation, MUSCO Sports Lighting, Muscatine Wal-Mart, Raymond-Muscatine, ARAMARK, Allegiant Air, H.J. Heinz, Members Community Credit Union, Muscatine Board of Realtors, Monsanto, and White Distribution & Supply. Without their support Bowl For Kids’ Sake would not be possible. Thank you also to the many local businesses that contributed prizes for our silent auction and door prizes! Thank you, Muscatine, for your support in helping us to build treasured memories for children and adults in Muscatine and Louisa Counties! |
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