Mentorship Programming

Meaningful One-to-One Relationships That Help Children Thrive

Our Mentorship Program pairs children and teens with carefully screened, trained adult mentors for consistent, long-term relationships. Matches spend time together doing everyday activities, talking, learning, and simply being present for one another, while a dedicated professional team supports the relationship behind the scenes, helping children feel less alone and more supported.

"The JBBBS LGBTQ+ Program has provided my teen with the opportunity to build community, connection, and self-esteem through this amazing mentorship with his Big. The life lessons and lived experience he has gained from his Big has been the best gift; one that will last a lifetime! Thank you JBBBS!"

JBBBS Parent

Strong mentoring relationships grow through consistency, clear expectations, and partnership with families. Families can expect:

• A minimum commitment of 4-6 hours per month
• Matches designed to last at least one year
• Regular monthly check-ins and guidance from experienced staff
• Ongoing support for both children and caregivers throughout the match

This structure helps ensure that each relationship has the time and care it needs to make a meaningful difference.

The Mentorship Program enrolls children and teens ages 7-16 across Greater Boston and continues serving them up to age 22. Families often seek mentorship during times of transition, growth, or challenge, or because they want another trusted adult in their child’s life. This program may be a strong fit if you are looking for:

• A consistent, caring adult role model for your child
• Support that extends beyond short-term programs
• A relationship designed to grow and deepen over time

Families come to JBBBS for many different reasons. Some are seeking support around friendships or confidence; others are looking for a positive role model or another trusted adult in their child’s life. Our families reflect many backgrounds and family structures, and children in our program are not required to be Jewish.

“JBBBS is the place where I met my best friend. He is someone I look up to and always enjoy spending time with. We get along so well and I can’t imagine my life without our fun hangouts.”

JBBBS Little

Support for Your Child and for You

Every mentorship match is supported by experienced professional staff who provide regular check-ins, guidance, and resources. Our team brings clinical insight and deep experience to ensure each relationship is healthy, responsive, and supportive of a child’s evolving needs.

To ensure safe, meaningful matches, all volunteers complete a thorough screening and background check process, and some families may experience a wait before a match is made. Throughout the match, we stay connected with caregivers, offering guidance and partnership focused on the well-being of the entire family.

Real Impact, Backed by Research

Families often ask whether mentorship really makes a difference. Independent research shows that it does.

Research conducted by Lynch Research Associates shows that children in the JBBBS Mentorship Program experience meaningful benefits, even during developmental periods when national research often shows declines.

Children in our program demonstrate:

• Growth in emotional well-being, including stronger parent connection, improved emotion regulation, and increased positive affect
• Decreases in depressive symptoms
• Stable school connection and grades during adolescence, a time when national trends often show declines
• Low levels of risky behavior during years when risk typically increases

Just as importantly, children report feeling safe, heard, and supported in their mentoring relationships:

• 97% feel safe and cared for by their mentor
• 91% say their mentor listens when something is bothering them
• 89% say their mentor helps them feel better when they are upset

These outcomes reflect the power of consistent, caring relationships guided with expertise and intention.