Volunteer with Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters

Make a Difference. Build Connection. Be Supported.

Volunteering with Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters (JBBBS) means building a meaningful one-to-one relationship that creates connection and transforms the lives of children, teens, and adults across Greater Boston. Volunteers are thoughtfully matched, expertly supported, and never expected to do this work alone.


Sign Up for an Information Session
Have a Question? Contact us. 

“I came in wanting to make a difference for someone else. I didn’t expect how much I would grow from the relationship too.”

JBBBS Volunteer

Ways to Volunteer

There are two primary ways to volunteer with JBBBS. Both are grounded in the same commitment to connection, care, and support.

Children’s Mentorship
Build a one-to-one mentoring

relationship with a child or teen.


Friend2Friend
Form a friendship with an adult with a disability through shared activities and companionship.


You’ll learn more about both options during an information session and have the opportunity to explore which may be the best fit.

Volunteer Expectations

A commitment that allows relationships to grow

Strong relationships require consistency, time, and emotional availability. Volunteers are expected to:

  • Commit to the program for a minimum of one year
  • Be able to meet regularly, approximately 4-6 hours per month for Children’s Mentorship or 2 hours per month for Friend2Friend
  • Have the capacity to meet participants where they are, with openness, patience, and flexibility
  • Be able to use a personal vehicle or public transportation to meet a child or Friend for outings at agreed-upon times and locations
  • Complete the volunteer screening process, including an in-depth interview, background and driving record checks, and required online training

Volunteering may not be the right fit during periods of major life transition or when it is difficult to commit time and energy consistently. Being thoughtful about readiness helps ensure meaningful, lasting relationships for everyone involved.

Who Can Volunteer?

You do not need to be Jewish to volunteer. JBBBS welcomes volunteers of all backgrounds, identities, and beliefs. At the same time, we are proud to be a Jewish organization guided by Jewish values of caring community, inclusivity, and companionship.



Volunteers come from many walks of life. What matters most is a willingness to build a genuine relationship, show up consistently, and meet someone where they are.

What to Expect: The Volunteer Process


We are intentional about creating matches that are safe, meaningful, and built to last. Here’s what the process typically looks like:


  1. Sign up for an information session 
  2. Complete a short application
  3. Meet with a staff member for an interview to discuss your interests, background, and availability
  4. Complete background and reference checks
  5. Get paired with your match based on interests, personality, geography, and fit
  6. Receive ongoing check-ins and support once matched


Because we prioritize safety and strong matches, some volunteers may experience a wait before being matched. Our team stays in touch throughout the process.


You’re Supported Every Step of the Way



Every volunteer is supported by experienced professional staff who provide guidance, resources, and regular check-ins.


Support is built into the experience, not added on later.

“Knowing there was always someone at JBBBS to turn to made me feel confident and supported from the very beginning.”

JBBBS Volunteer

Ready to Learn More?

If you’re interested in volunteering with JBBBS, we invite you to start by signing up for an information session. It’s a low-pressure opportunity to learn more, ask questions, and explore whether volunteering with JBBBS feels like the right fit for you.


Sign Up for an Information Session

Have questions? Reach out to us.