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Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest youth mentoring organization in New England. We were one of the original 12 founding members of the national Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, which now boasts 500 local agencies.

It all started back in 1919, when our founders wanted to create a way to keep the Jewish community from losing its most precious resource – the children – to the streets or the criminal justice system. At that time, many Jewish immigrant children in New England were poor, lived in one-parent families, didn’t have enough access to educational opportunities or simply needed guidance.

The Jewish Big Brother Association was founded to provide aid to troubled boys and their families. Bolstered by what was then known as the Associated Jewish Philanthropies, the new agency took the revolutionary step of linking adult volunteers, called "Big Brothers" to boys who needed the influence and support of a mentor. In later years, programs were added for girls who needed assistance.

Change and commitment have been our guiding principles throughout the years. While remaining dedicated to our original goals, we have added innovative services and dynamic programs to reach even more volunteers and children.

How do we make the power of one-to-one mentoring work?

By establishing and supporting one-to-one relationships with professionally matched, caring volunteers – volunteers who want to give of themselves, their time, and their life experience to bring about positive change in another’s life.

Everything JBBBS provides is based on two basic principles: our strong commitment to strengthening the family and our powerful belief that one-to-one mentoring can bring about significant change in an individual life.

How do we ensure a Little caring can bring a lot of change?

By establishing successful mentoring relationships for all children – our ‘littles’ – who need and want them, helping to bring about brighter futures, better family relationships, and stronger communities.

By providing greater opportunities for adults with disabilities so that they can build long-term friendships and strengthen their connection to the world around them.

By focusing, always, on families and helping to support the family unit while also strengthening each family’s connections to our culture, our heritage, and our shared values.

Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters offers services to children ages six to eighteen and to adults with disabilities ages 18 and older. Our goal is provide matches for individuals who will benefit from and enjoy social interaction, companionship, interesting and fun activities, and a special one-to-one relationship.

We believe that a ‘little’ – indeed, every little – can go a long way in life. And that a Jewish Big Brother or Big Sister can make a great difference along the way.

At Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters this belief is the very foundation of our services and programs. Our volunteers offer children and also adults with disabilities a little time, a little laughter, a little thoughtfulness, a little caring. They create a one-to-one mentoring relationship that will foster hope, self-esteem, and connection to community.

Broad range of volunteer opportunities.

Big Brothers Big Sisters In The Community

JBBBS matches volunteers with children with whom they share like interests, hobbies, and pastimes. A JBBBS staff member is present during the initial meeting, and we provide ongoing support throughout the duration of the Big Brother Big Sister relationship. Matches usually meet two to four times per month for activities that can include everything from sporting activities and museum going to dining out or simply taking a walk.

Big Brothers Big Sisters In Schools

Volunteers are matched in one-to-one relationships with children attending nearby elementary and middle schools. Volunteers meet with their Littles during the day, usually at lunchtime, two to four times every month. During their time together, Bigs and Littles can enjoy activities such as drawing, talking about favorite subjects, enjoying a board game, reading, and tossing a ball.

Big Brothers Big Sisters In Groups

Volunteers and their Littles join in fun group activities that are planned and coordinated by JBBBS.  Group activities usually take place twice a month on Sunday afternoons; on average, each activity lasts from two to four hours. Group outings can include visiting a zoo, going to a baseball game, celebrating at a holiday party, apple picking, and going to a concert.

Big Brothers Big Sisters For Adults With Disabilities

At Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters we know that the power of one-to-one mentoring works with adults as well as children. Many people with disabilities experience difficulty finding friends, establishing relationships with companions, and fully enjoying their communities. Our Friend 2 Friend program matches volunteers with people who have disabilities and who are looking to establish sustaining friendships. F2F participants have mild to moderate disabilities, possess conversational skills, and are able to manage basic independent living skills.

Friend 2 Friend In The Community

Matches meet two to four times a month to enjoy mutually agreed upon activities such as shopping at a mall or attending a sporting event. They also have the option to attend Jewish holiday celebrations offered throughout the year by Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Friend 2 Friend MAGIC (Monthly Activity Groups In the Community) Program

One night a month, F2F matches meet to join in a group activity planned by JBBBS.  These activities range from visiting cultural attractions to attending sporting events to gathering at a restaurant.

Many different types of children.

The children and families we serve are from diverse backgrounds and various life circumstances. We welcome individuals who have experienced or are currently dealing with life challenges and difficulties such as death of a parent, divorce, medical or mental illness, learning disabilities, single parenting, and relocation.

In addition to these exciting programming initiatives, our agency has taken leadership roles on the local, regional and national levels. We have worked internationally to create the Big Brother and Big Sister Association of Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine; and to support the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Haifa, Israel.

We planned and hosted the first Tri-Regional conference of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America ever held in Boston; created a new national toll-free recruitment number; and coordinated the Ride for Kids fundraising effort for all Big Brother and Sister agencies in Massachusetts. We continue to receive support from our community federation, now known as the Combined Jewish Philanthropies.

Many years ago, our founders recognized that the simple gift of friendship can have long-lasting, delightful impact. Today, our volunteers and staff continue to support those little moments that create a much bigger magic in our clients lives.