Launching our Littles into Young Adulthood – JBBBS’ New College Mentoring Program
This new program will seek to improve the college experience and graduation outcomes of previously underserved populations through mentorship. By building on our foundation of creating meaningful, one-to-one relationships, JBBBS will provide qualifying students with the practical and social-emotional support of mentors who will act as guides and personal champions as they navigate the path to college.
Read MoreBig Brunch Honoree Dean Cohen
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…
Read MoreBig Brunch Honoree William Gittler
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…
Read MoreBig Brunch Honoree Yasmine Chahine
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…
Read MoreBig Brunch Honoree Stacey Buckley
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…
Read MoreWelcoming JBBBS’ New Board Chair, Evan Grossman
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.…
Read MoreThe Best Day Ever: How Emmie Found Her T1D Big Sister
By Amanda Gilchrist My nine-year-old daughter Emmie is creative, determined, enthusiastic, and resilient. Emmie is a book lover, a lacrosse player, and an artist. She also has type 1 diabetes (T1D). T1D is an incurable autoimmune disease that requires lifelong insulin therapy, blood sugar monitoring, and constant management to avoid serious and life-threatening complications. Emmie…
Read MorePaying it Forward One Ticket at a Time
By Gabe Wasserman I was matched with Bruce Patz through Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters (JBBBS) in March of 1994 when I was 11 years old and a year and a half after my father had passed away, leaving a huge void in my life. Bruce and I shared a love of all things sports…
Read MoreFull Circle: From JBBBS Breakfasts to a Perfect Match
Hayley Samen My father served as president of JBBBS for a time, so I was lucky to be connected to the program from a young age. I grew up learning from members of the community and admiring the spirit of tikkun olam JBBBS inspired volunteers giving their time, energy, and hearts to help others. Growing up, I…
Read MoreThe M.A.G.I.C. of Therapy Dogs
By Kelsey Romaniak “I pet a dog for the first time tonight!” This quote from a M.A.G.I.C. (Monthly Activity Group in the Community) participant joyfully replays in my head. At our November M.A.G.I.C. event: Giving Back to help Angell Animal Adoption Center, our Friend 2 Friend matches made toys and blankets for the animals awaiting…
Read MoreWinter Boots in the Spring
By Richard Paisner “Winter boots in the spring, is that a thing?” I asked my then-girlfriend, now wife, Sarah, as we sat at a restaurant. I had just met this 7-year-old boy, Andy, who JBBBS thought I would click with at the JCC in Newton. I was 24 years old and so nervous I asked…
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