JBBBS Blogs
Ride for a Reason
by Josh Jick Participating in the Rodman Ride is always a blast. I should know – I’ve done it eight times! My first connection to Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters (JBBBS) was when I was an undergrad at Brandeis University. A group of friends convinced me to volunteer at the Rodman Ride. Once I learned…
Read MoreGenerous philanthropy inspired by 70 years of friendship
By Julie Levinson In 1932, Harold Price was just 10 years old when his father passed away, leaving behind his mother and two younger sisters. Soon after, it was suggested to his mother that she find a father figure for Harold. JBBBS matched Harold with Joe Wolbarsht and that relationship would continue for the next 70…
Read MoreAn autistic connection: a friendship fueled by shared experiences
by Shea Belsky When I first reached out to JBBBS in April 2019, I had a clear idea of who I’d be a great Big for. I’m Shea Belsky, an autistic 25-year-old who has been through the public school system. I had an IEP, physical therapy, speech therapy, a psychologist, a one-on-one aide and much…
Read MoreOn Hope and Looking Forward
by Parent of Little (Anonymous) As a parent of a transgender daughter, it is hard to fully express my gratitude for JBBBS’ LGBTQ+ mentoring program. I do so little, yet my child benefits so much. Over time, I’ve found my role in the program to be one of trust, support, and space, which I think…
Read MoreReflection on Pride
by Tania Gutman Gray A child of Holocaust survivors with a background in civil rights law, I have lived long enough to know that life has its twists and turns. Both experiences inspired me to be a voice for championing equality, freedom, human dignity, and for all. I have always seen myself as an ally…
Read MoreWhy I Volunteer
by Camden H. Mamigonian My volunteering journey started in earnest at my first employer when I heard about an informal organization within the company that developed events in local schools to expose students to STEM. It sounded like an incredible group to be a part of, and a fun and worthy cause to support, so…
Read MoreA Well Baked Friendship
by Ariella Honig My Little and I made a promise to each other the first day we met. A little nervous and excited, I remember walking from my house on a rainy March day. I had been waiting six months to get paired with a Little and my match specialist assured me that she thought…
Read MoreMy increasing commitment to JBBBS over the years
Elisa and I have been matched for more than 5 years. My children had graduated from high school and were on their way. Volunteering a few hours each month was both attainable and a way of adding something special to my life. I was open to learning about different programs and settled into JBBBS’ Friend 2 Friend program
Read More“What’s in a Name”: How My Favorite Name Came Full Circle
What’s in a Name?” – it’s a famous line uttered by Juliet in Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ stating that a name is just a name and its meaning is utterly irrelevant when it comes to the person who holds it. But my experience has been different. There has always been something to the name “Zach” for me.
Read MoreAll the Little things
Like many other JBBBS volunteers, I didn’t know if I would be a good Big Sister when I first applied. I worried that whoever I was matched with, we just wouldn’t connect. Putting yourself out there can be difficult regardless of age. All I knew is that I wanted to be there for a young adult in the same way that I could have benefited from a mentor when I was teen. I wanted to let someone else know that they were not alone.
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