Legislature Celebrates Big Brothers Big Sisters

The Rockland County Legislature hosted this year’s graduation ceremony for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rockland County, honoring one youth and his volunteer mentor while also recognizing the efforts of a unique program.

“Big Brothers Big Sisters profoundly impacts the lives of young people, not only while they are involved in the program but also in the years to come,” Rockland County Legislature Majority Leader Alden H. Wolfe said. “The experiences they gain help create a strong foundation that empowers them to pursue their greatest dreams.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rockland County pairs a volunteer mentor with a youth between the ages of 7 and 18 who together share simple low-cost or no-cost outings. Their time allows the youth to build trusting friendships, engage in meaningful conversations and activities, and to realize their self-worth and potential – all with the help of their adult mentor, who acts as a positive role model.

A large part of the program’s success lies with the parents of the mentees, who lovingly support their child’s participation, partnering with BBBS and the mentor, so their child may flourish.

Honored at this year’s graduation ceremony were Little Brother Wilkins Peralta and Big Brother Jeff Epstein. The two have been together since August 2021. They spent lots of time trying different restaurants, attending sporting events, playing frisbee at the park, enjoying each other’s company and discussing Wilkins’ future goals.

Wilkins has been involved in BBBS since 2016 and previously had two Big Sisters. He’s been involved in his high school’s football and wrestling teams and has been very active and vocal in Students Against Drugs. He plans to attend Rockland Community College to prepare to become a police officer and wants to obtain a degree in criminal justice.

“I want to say thank you to Big Brothers and Sisters and Jeff for giving me this opportunity,” Wilkins said. “Thank you to my mom for putting me into this program. If it wasn’t for her I would not be here.”

Big Brother Jeff told Wilkins he enjoyed being his big brother and that he hopes their relationship will continue. He and his wife have mentored other youth and are still in touch with a woman now in her late 20s.

Reflecting on his participation in BBBS, Jeff quoted part of a saying, that when we are young, we look to make a big splash in life, which is normal and good. “Later in life we realize that it’s the ripples we create that touch the most lives…Wilkins is special. Since his youth he has been drawn to a career in law enforcement with the goal of being a positive role model for underserved communities.”

Among those joining Legislator Wolfe, the Legislature’s liaison to the organization, were Legislature Second Vice Chair Phil Soskin and Legislator Will Kennelly. Participating were some of Wilkins’ family members, Big Brothers Big Sisters’ President & CEO Gillian Ballard, Board of Directors’ Chairwoman Jennifer Sislin, and Board Member Robert Barilli, among others.

“This year marks the 42nd anniversary of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rockland County and it’s worth noting that scores of adults have given of their time and 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.

“It’s also important to note the tremendous efforts of the Big Brothers Big Sisters staff and board, who keep everything running, often under challenging circumstances, so that our youth not only have better tomorrows but better todays.”

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.