Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa

06/16/2026

We are thrilled to celebrate Lou Iowa Live as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa's Volunteer of the Year!

We had the honor of presenting this award during our Defenders of Potential Celebration, where Lou was genuinely surprised—and incredibly deserving of the recognition.

Lou has been a dedicated champion of our mission, generously sharing his time, voice, and platform to elevate youth mentoring across Central Iowa. From emceeing BBBSIA events to highlighting our impact on Iowa Live and throughout the community, he has helped shine a light on the power of mentorship.

His commitment to serving others and supporting nonprofits across Iowa has made him a trusted friend and valued advocate for our work.

Congratulations, Lou, and thank you for all you do to defend the potential of young people in our community!

06/15/2026

We were excited to welcome Statemint Des Moines to our office for a special check presentation from the proceeds of their Charity Presale Event! 💚

Their generosity will help support life-changing mentoring relationships for youth and make a lasting impact in our community.

Thank you, Statemint, for believing in the power of mentorship and investing in the potential of young people. We are grateful for your partnership!

06/13/2026

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa is proud to participate in Birdies for Charity through the Principal Charity Classic!

Birdies for Charity gives us the opportunity to raise funds that support local youth through mentoring relationships while also receiving a charitable match to maximize impact.

Every dollar donated helps create and support life-changing matches for young people across Central Iowa. We’re grateful to be part of a community event that invests in the potential of local youth and families!

Make your gift to BBBSIA: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/bigbrothersbigsistersofcentraliowa/

06/12/2026

Meaningful change often begins with something simple: showing up consistently.

As Catherine navigated the challenges of high school and planned for her future, Ayla became a steady source of support and guidance. Whether helping Catherine overcome academic obstacles, preparing for important milestones like her driver's test, or simply being present during difficult moments, Ayla demonstrated the profound impact that mentorship can have on a young person's confidence and outlook.

Today, Catherine is setting ambitious goals, embracing new opportunities, and moving
forward with greater self-assurance.

Stories like Ayla and Catherine's remind us that mentorship is not just about providing advice. It is about creating relationships that empower young people to recognize their strengths, build resilience, and realize their potential.

Thank you, Ayla, for investing your time, compassion, and leadership in the next generation.

Interested in making a difference through mentorship? We invite you to learn more about
becoming a volunteer and helping defend the potential of young people in our community ➡️ https://www.bbbsia.org/be-a-big

06/11/2026

A BIG thank you to Pop A Top Classic for donating $25,000 from its annual golf classic to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa! ⛳💚

Each year, this amazing group comes together to golf and raise funds for a local charity, and we are honored to have been selected as this year's beneficiary.

Thank you for supporting our mission and helping us create more life-changing mentoring relationships for youth in our community!

06/10/2026

☀️ What’s on your summer bucket list?

Trying new ice cream shops, exploring the farmers markets, walking at Gray’s Lake.

And maybe something even bigger-
becoming a Big: https://www.bbbsia.org/be-a-big

We’re excited to introduce our newest matches:
-Little Nick & Big Wes
-Little Samara & Big Meara
-Little Chloe & Big Kayla
-Little Nico & Big Jaiden
-Little Rayla & Big Valentina

06/10/2026

🎓 Congratulations to our Littles who recently graduated from high school! 🎓

We are so proud of all they have accomplished and were honored to recognize them at our Defenders of Potential Celebration last month.

Please join us in celebrating these graduates and their Bigs (Little listed first):

✨ Ja'Niah & Michelle
✨ Carter & Robb
✨ Rubi & Mejrima
✨ Taylor & Megan
✨ Tyler & Travis
✨ Nikita & Kelly
✨ Kaytlynn & Janae
✨ Catherine & Ayla
✨ Jesse & Ron
✨ Chani & Ellie
✨ Brayden & John
✨ Shaniyah & Heather
✨ Brenden & Todd
✨ Shaylee & Lereesa

Your hard work, determination, and resilience have brought you to this big milestone. We can't wait to see what the future holds for each of you. 🎉

06/08/2026

💚 Happy 2 Year Work Anniversary, Ricki Hall! 🎉

As our Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator, Ricki plays an important role in supporting youth across Central Iowa. She also supports our Community-Based Program, contributes to our Workplace Mentoring Program, and serves on our Employee Engagement Committee.

Ricki’s thoughtful perspective, collaboration, and passion for our mission help strengthen our programs and our team in meaningful ways.

We are grateful to have you on the team and look forward to all that's ahead! 🎉

06/05/2026

🎉 Happy 3 Year Work Anniversary to Mentoring Specialist, Andrea Pinkney! 🎉

For the past three years, Andrea has helped create and support life-changing mentoring relationships. From enrolling Littles and making matches to supporting Workplace Mentoring and volunteering as a Future Pathways Coach, she is always willing to step in and help wherever needed.

Thank you, Andrea, for your dedication, compassion, and commitment to our mission. We're grateful for all you do and proud to celebrate this milestone with you! 💚

06/04/2026

We're proud to host the Des Moines West Side Chamber of Commerce's June Lunch & Learn next week at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa!

We're looking forward to welcoming attendees for this informative session with Dr. Libby Trausch. Check out the details below and register today!

Next Tuesday, we’ve got our June Lunch and Learn with Dr. Libby Trausch focusing on Fit & Fabulous Feet: Strong, Pain-Free Feet for a Lifetime of Movement!👣

Dr. Trausch, PT, DPT is a Root-Cause, Mindbody Physical Therapist & Certified Professional Life/Leadership Coach. From 2016 to 2025, she co-founded, grew, and sold a 7 figure, 3-clinic physical therapy practice and is getting back to the 1:1 work she loves! This is a session you do not want to miss😉

This Lunch and Learn will be hosted at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa, and our food sponsor is Qdoba!

Get registered today, and join us next week!
https://members.dsmwestside.org/events/details/lunch-and-learn-fit-fabulous-feet-strong-pain-free-feet-for-a-lifetime-of-movement-3320?calendarMonth=2026-06-01