JBBBS Blogs
Reflection 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.
Read MoreA JBBBS Friendship – Ice cream, injuries and everything in between
I was a ball of nerves walking up to Starbucks to meet my Friend 2 Friend match. I am usually pretty good at meeting new people and making new friends, but this was different. I joined JBBBS because I wanted to make a difference so I really wanted my match to like me. Little did I know, becoming friends with Emily would be so easy.
Read MoreThe Dream Team
I cannot speak to the impact that I have had on my Little. But I can say confidently from my volunteer experience that you wouldn’t regret getting involved with this program. Being a part of this young man’s life, giving time to develop our youth and future, understanding that life is meant to be fun and uplifting, and elevating each other are all reasons Jahni will forever be a brother to me!
Read MoreJBBBS Camp Scholarships: Making magical summers for our kids
The lifelong benefits of summer camp are well-documented; ask any adult about their camp experiences, and a flood of memories usually follows. Associated with the freedom of summer and all that it brings, these camp memories occupy a special place, distinct from the remembrances of school, sports, and other extracurricular activities. JBBBS is very fortunate to have donors who understand how important it is for every child to have an opportunity to attend camp and who have supported our JBBBS Camp Scholarship Fund over the years.
Read MoreMy Inspiring Friend 2 Friend Match
In February 2020, I was working full-time in a High-Tech company, with two young kids, a husband who works 24×7, and a home to manage. I thought it would be hard to find the time to volunteer. Then, I found that JBBBS offers a plethora of volunteering opportunities that are very flexible and manageable – yet meaningful – even for a busy working mom! F2F and my connection with Faith made me realize that people can still rise above great challenges and be there for someone else and brighten their lives, even if just a bit.
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