An Almost 30 Year F2F Match with Dan the Man from Ashland

I have been a JBBBS volunteer for 37 years starting in 1986 in Los Angeles. I have had three matches, my latest and longest match has been with Dan as part of the Friend 2 Friend program for the past 28 years. After Dan and I first met with our social worker, we had our first outing at the Natick Mall at Johnny Rockets. We learned early that we both enjoyed food and eating together. Over the past 28 years Dan and I have shared many enjoyable activities and outings together including Yom Sport, Passover Seders, Hanukkah Parties, car shows, museums and, of course, eating out.

Dan became a Bar Mitzvah as an adult and I had the honor of performing an Aliyah at his service. Years later, Dan had the ability to return to honor and perform an Aliyah at my sons’ B’nai Mitzvah. My friendship with Dan has grown as my life has grown – meeting my wife, having my kids, getting my dog – and Dan has become a part of all of our lives. Dan and I now meet every other Sunday and walk to get bagels together and catch up on the last two weeks – he visits with my wife, Leslie, the dog and whichever kids are awake at the time.

My name is Dr. Dean Cohen and I have been a JBBBS volunteer since 1986 starting in Los Angeles and then in 1995 in Massachusetts. I have had three matches during that time, my latest and longest match being 28 years. In addition to being a JBBBS volunteer, I am also on the Board of Jewish Big Brothers/Big Sisters. I live in Brookline with my wife and two teenage boys. After 35 years practicing dentistry, I am currently retired. In addition to volunteering for JBBBS, I am also a Make a Wish volunteer. I also enjoy spending time with my teenage boys, reading, exercising, and playing table tennis.

Big Brunch Honoree Dean Cohen

By Julia Rodda • October 16, 2025

JBBBS is thrilled to honor four incredible JBBBS volunteers with the Chaverut Award at this year’s Big Brunch on October 26. These four volunteers truly exemplify the word chaverut which is Hebrew for friendship. Dean Cohen is one of this year’s honorees and we had the pleasure to recently ask him a few questions about… The post Big Brunch Honoree Dean Cohen appeared first on Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Boston.

Big Brunch Honoree William Gittler

By Julia Rodda • October 16, 2025

JBBBS is thrilled to honor four incredible JBBBS volunteers with the Chaverut Award at this year’s Big Brunch on October 26. These four volunteers truly exemplify the word chaverut which is Hebrew for friendship. William Gittler is one of this year’s honorees and we had the pleasure to recently ask him a few questions about… The post Big Brunch Honoree William Gittler appeared first on Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Boston.

Big Brunch Honoree Yasmine Chahine

By Julia Rodda • October 16, 2025

JBBBS is thrilled to honor four incredible JBBBS volunteers with the Chaverut Award at this year’s Big Brunch on October 26. These four volunteers truly exemplify the word chaverut which is Hebrew for friendship. Yasmine Chahine is one of this year’s honorees and we had the pleasure to recently ask her a few questions about… The post Big Brunch Honoree Yasmine Chahine appeared first on Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Boston.

Big Brunch Honoree Stacey Buckley

By Julia Rodda • October 9, 2025

JBBBS is thrilled to honor four incredible JBBBS volunteers with the Chaverut Award at this year’s Big Brunch on October 26. These four volunteers truly exemplify the word chaverut which is Hebrew for friendship. Stacey Buckley is one of this year’s honorees and we had the pleasure to recently ask her a few questions about… The post Big Brunch Honoree Stacey Buckley appeared first on Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Boston.

Welcoming JBBBS’ New Board Chair, Evan Grossman

By Julia Rodda • September 29, 2025

What first inspired you to get involved with JBBBS? I’ve always admired the mission of mentorship and the stability and companionship it provides. JBBBS embodies that so perfectly. I had heard wonderful things about the agency, and a serendipitous professional interaction with the amazing Judy Shankman solidified my decision to get involved as a volunteer.… The post Welcoming JBBBS’ New Board Chair, Evan Grossman appeared first on Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Boston.