Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa (BBBSIA) is empowering youth through mentorship - and thanks to support from a Variety Grant awarded in last year’s funding cycle, they’ve taken another big step forward in creating an inviting and enriching space for matches to connect.
The grant funded essential furnishings for BBBSIA’s new Youth Mentoring Center, including high-top chairs, a conference table, benches, a PlayStation, and an arcade machine. These additions helped bring new life to both their Game Room and conference room - two key spaces for fostering relationships between Bigs and Littles. The Game Room now serves as a vibrant, safe, and engaging environment where matches can build meaningful connections. With a variety of games and activities, the space removes the pressure of planning, allowing each visit to feel natural, fun, and full of opportunity. The PlayStation and arcade machine, in particular, have become favorites among Littles.
One recent event highlighted just how impactful this new space has become. BBBSIA hosted a special day for Littles on the waitlist, teaming up with members of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity from Drake University, who volunteered as Bigs for the day. Together, they enjoyed a Mario Kart tournament, basketball arcade games, and even a paper airplane contest.
Tripp, one of the Littles in attendance, excitedly shared at school the next week:
"I went to the Big Brother Big Sister program and had a lot of fun. I got a basketball and got a little bag of takis… and played Mario Kart and made paper airplanes. I made a friend at Big Brother Big Sister program. His name is Spenser."
Tripp
Since the opening of the Youth Mentoring Center in November, Bigs and Littles have expressed excitement about the welcoming atmosphere, especially in the new Game Room. It has quickly become a favorite hangout spot, used for everything from drop-in visits to themed events like scavenger hunts and holiday parties. The conference room has also seen new life with the addition of comfortable chairs - enabling group activities like creating get-well cards for local hospital patients. These projects not only encourage creativity but also instill values of empathy and community service.
For over 56 years, BBBSIA has provided one-to-one, professionally supported relationships that help youth reach their full potential. With a variety of mentoring models, ranging from community and school-based programs to Future Pathways and Sports Buddies, BBBSIA continues to adapt to the evolving needs of the community. Staff known as Match Support Specialists work closely with each mentor, mentee, and parent or guardian to ensure the relationship is thriving -offering regular check-ins, guidance, and resources to foster long-term success.
Variety is proud to support organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa, where a welcoming space, a few games, and a strong support network can make a the difference in a child’s life.
