Katie Orlando Shares Big Brothers/Big Sisters with Us

Emily Borcherding, Katie Orlando & Tracey Southall

Wednesday August, 26, 2017 - The guest speaker for this Cedar Falls Kiwanis meeting was our outgoing Kiwanis Lt. Governor Katie Orlando who is also the CEO of the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Northeast Iowa.  Katie, who is also a member of our club, shared her organization's philosophy and the many programs that they have to support kids in Northeast Iowa.

The Big Brother/Big Sisters organization's main purpose is to pair similar-interest disadvantaged little brothers/little sisters aged 6 to 18 with adults (Big Brothers/Big Sisters) for mentoring.  According to Katie and the organization's past experience,  When an adult is matched with youth and the meet for 4 hours or more a month over 18 months, it can provide you Little Brother/Little Sister with a good role model and inspiration. This connection also helps a child improve academically in school and become a better citizen.  This cements together the Big/Little participants, by producing a lasting and fruitful relationship that will last a lifetime for the benefit of both.  Most of the mentored youth finish school and then go on to an institution of higher learning or the military.  
Written by Lynn Barnes

The Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Northeast Iowa is making big difference in the Cedar Valley's youth.  We are thankful for what you are doing and for sharing it with us.

This program was organized by Emily Borcherding.  Thanks, Emily.