Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters (JBBBS) is actively recruiting LGBTQ+ youth between the ages of 6-18 who are interested in participating in a recently launched LGBTQ+ pilot program that pairs LGBTQ+ youth with LGBTQ+ identified mentors (21-plus) who can uniquely empathize and support youth through similar lived experiences.
Matches meet a couple of hours twice a month (mostly on weekends) and spend time doing activities they mutually enjoy for a minimum of one year. During COVID-19, matches meet virtually and in-person, only when comfortable, under the Massachusetts and CDC guidelines for social distancing and safety.
The impact of these relationships can be life-changing. LGBTQ+ mentors may be role models for identity development, resilience and help their Littles explore strategies to overcome stigma and bias. Mentors may also provide a positive sense of self and increased ease with one’s identity. In-person mentoring relationships may serve an important protective role for LGBTQ+ youth, helping them to confront challenges such as lack of acceptance from peers and parents. In particular, transgender and gender non-conforming youth have reported that having identity-affirming support has increased resilience, self-advocacy skills and shown improved career and educational goals.
Our community includes people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, abilities, races, religions and backgrounds. JBBBS supports children and their whole families, providing financial support, camp and college scholarships, coaching, referrals to other social services agencies and holiday programming. There is no cost to the family for participation in outings, and the Big typically provides transportation.
Find more information and enroll here.
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