Legislator Wolfe To Grads: ‘A Future Offering All Kinds Of Possibilities Awaits’
Mentors and mentees were celebrated as the Rockland County Legislature hosted this year’s Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rockland County graduation ceremony and shared in the accomplishments of all involved.
“This is somewhat bittersweet, as almost all graduations are, because it marks the close of a very important chapter in the lives of both the Littles and the Bigs,” Rockland County Legislative Majority Leader Alden H. Wolfe said. “But what’s most important, I think, is the fact that it also opens a new chapter – a future that offers all kinds of possibilities for all.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters is a one-to-one relationship program that allows children, with support from adult mentors who act as positive role models, to build trusting friendships, engage in meaningful conversations and activities, and realize their self-worth and potential.
Among those joining Legislator Wolfe, the Legislature’s liaison to the organization, were Legislature Chairman Jay Hood Jr., Second Vice Chair Phil Soskin, Minority Leader Lon M. Hofstein, and Legislators Paul Cleary, Itamar Yeger, Toney L. Earl, Ray Sheridan, Beth Davidson, Jesse Malowitz, Joel Friedman, Tom Diviny and Dana Stilley.
Participating were Big Brothers Big Sisters’ President & CEO Gillian Ballard, Board of Directors’ Chairwoman Jennifer Sislin, Board Members Robert Barilli, Edward Brignoni and Mike Ellman, Program Supervisor Sarah Arras, Johnson and Kristin Rossetti, Support Call Specialist..
“This year marks the 41st anniversary of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rockland County and that’s worth noting because during this time, scores of adults have given not only of their time, but of their hearts to make a difference in the life of a child by volunteering as mentors to local youth, often for years,” Legislator Wolfe said.
“Scores of youth have been mentored – and embraced the support and opportunity that has come their way through this program,” Legislator Wolfe said. “Importantly, the parents of these youth have lovingly allowed their children to participate in a program that is a proven game changer.”
None of this would be possible without the leadership of BBBS CEO Gillian Ballard, the staff and the many community volunteers who serve on the board, Legislator Wolfe said.
Honored this year were Big Sister Jacqueline Smalls and Little Sister Lindzey Estrella Peralta, who were matched for one year and eight months. Lindzey plans to attend Rockland Community College and then transfer to Dominican University.
Big Sister Keri Winnick and Little Sister Patricia Bogdanowich Torres were matched for six years and seven months. Patricia also plans to attend RCC and then transfer to a four-year college to earn her bachelor’s degree.
Big Brother Edward Brignoni and Little Brother Michael Duplessis were matched for five years and 11 months. Michael heads to Pennsylvania State University in the fall, where he plans to major in mechanical engineering.
Big Sister Marjorie Goldstein and Little Brother Adonis Ruballos were unable to attend, but they were matched for six years and eight months. Adonis plans to attend college and study English literature and creative writing.
The mentor-mentee relationships encouraged by BBBS can have far-reaching impacts, as a study by Public/Private Ventures, a Philadelphia-based national research organization, has shown. Youth who participate in the mentoring program do better in school and in their relationships with family and friends, and are less likely to use illegal drugs or alcohol, according to the study.
More information about the program, including how to volunteer as a mentor or to sign up as a little is available at https://www.bbbsofrc.com/ or by calling (845) 317-0311.
