OUR IMPACT

JBBBS is transforming lives of children, adults with disabilities and their families through the power of one-to-one relationships.

JBBBS seeks to support and empower individuals and families to engage, to participate actively in the life of their communities, to live inspired and to inspire others. Through a holistic approach to supporting clients and families, we provide mentorship to children, teens and adults as well as financial support, holiday programming and referrals to other social service agencies. For this reason, we actively engage and serve children and adults across religion, race, gender, sexual identity and orientation, and ability.

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JBBBS is proud to be recognized as a 2023 Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) Platinum Award Winner. Out of more than 230 agencies across the country, JBBBS is one of 51 organizations to receive this top honor. This award recognizes the top agencies that have shown remarkable achievements in volunteer and participant retention in the Children’s program, consistently from year to year, and have exhibited exceptional growth in their local programs.

"[JBBBS] reminds us that while this time may seem

isolating and strange, that people who care are out there."

-Parent of Little

"There are not enough words to express my gratitude. The connections have impacted our family in so many wonderful ways. My daughter’s Big Sister has become family. This magical match has filled her life, and our life, with such joy for over three years."

- Beth, Children’s Program parent

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matches in our Children's Program

"All of these experiences that were made possible by JBBBS have made me into the woman I am today. I am confident, compassionate, hardworking, optimistic, and kind. JBBBS provided me with an environment that really allowed me to grow and thrive, allowing me to become my best self."

Former JBBBS Little

BIG AND LITTLES IN LGBTQ+ PROGRAM

"My participation in the Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters LGBTQ+ program is all about helping queer kids. I was thrilled to learn that JBBBS was developing an LGBTQ-specific program to connect LGBTQ+ Littles and Bigs. I think about how different it could have been if I had a Big who was LGBTQ+ when I was an adolescent trying to understand my gender identity and sexual orientation… There are plenty of ways to help kids, but there is nothing more rewarding than a one-to-one relationship.” 

 

Kelvin, a Big in our LGBTQ+ Program

MOST RECENT MEASURABLE OUTCOMES

JBBBS Littles report better grades and academic performance. 

Littles report reduction in risky behaviors such as bullying others.

“JBBBS has made my college education possible. Without the help of Jewish Big Brother Big Sister, I likely would have been unable to start, let alone complete college. I have had amazing opportunities and learned an incredible amount, both academically and personally. ” 

 

Former Little and JBBBS College Scholarship Recipient

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given in college scholarship in 2023
Average Match Length: 37 Months

37 Months

The average match length in our Children's Program. 

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"This summer camp opportunity is unbelievable! It means a lot to us, and gives us hope that everything is possible. As soon as Jonathan came home from camp, it was all he could talk about. When he heard the news that he would be able to go back again, he asked to say thank you and that he is so happy and excited to go again next summer!” 

Parent of Camp Scholarship Recipient

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given in camp scholarship for Littles

"Thank you for changing my life"

Friend 2 Friend Participant

"Their frequent contact provides a sense of calm and security in his life. The importance of having a special friend is crucial for anyone’s development, sociability and self-esteem – especially for a person with disabilities. Dan’s quality of life has been enhanced by the friendships he’s had through the years. He’s a much happier individual for his involvement in the program."

Parent of Friend 2 Friend Participant

Friend 2 Friend aims to reduce social isolation for adults with disabilities

%
of Friends reported F2F helps them feel less lonely and anxious
More than
%
of Friends reported F2F helps them make new friends

“Each MAGIC gathering was a celebration of friendship, whether on a harbor cruise, having a community Passover Seder or at the theater. There is something incredibly special about a self-selecting community of people who are there to be friends.”

-Friend 2 Friend Volunteer

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Months is the average match length in Friend 2 Friend

M.A.G.I.C. (Monthly Activity Group In the Community) Program events in 2021

"I like the bowling event and my friend Lisa. We’ve been matched for many years. We go out to eat and take walks."

Friend 2 Friend Participant

JBBBS in the Media

Jewish Journal

 

The Jewish Journal spoke to incoming CEO Lauren Korn about her goals to strengthen the organization. They also speak to some matches on what it's like being a part of the JBBBS community.

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Lauren Korn spoke to Jewish Boston about her future plans as the next CEO of JBBBS. She aims to make Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters even more proudly Jewish at a crucial time.

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Our very own Tricia Sherman made her podcast debut on Juicebox Podcast! She spoke about the Type 1 Diabetes program and the benefits of having a mentor that understands the impact that diabetes has on your daily life.

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Tricia Sherman spoke with Karson and Kennedy on Mix 104.1 about our organization's purpose and impact. Tricia discusses each of our amazing programs and what it's like to be a volunteer!

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JBBBS is in The Boston Globe! Read about how our work is thriving despite the pandemic.