Community Corner
Big Brothers Big Sisters From Wildomar, Menifee Honored
The organization is celebrating National Mentoring Month and the continued support of its volunteers.
Press release from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire:
Jan. 7, 2022
In celebration of National Mentoring Month and the continued support of its volunteers, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire is honoring outstanding mentors who are unparalleled in their service in the local community this past year. The local presence of the national nonprofit, which matches youth facing adversity (Littles) one-to-one with a supportive mentor (Bigs), is revealing its 2022 Big of the Year finalists in the Inland Empire:
Find out what's happening in Lake Elsinore-Wildomarfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Big Brother of the Year finalists
- Alex Rajewski of Riverside
- Edward Frank of Riverside
- Matthew Nguyen of Wildomar
- Big Sister of the Year finalists
- Daphne Burnett of Highland
- Denisse Lopez of Menifee
- Sharyn Jung of Covina
In an especially challenging year, the 2022 finalists have adapted and helped their mentees in incredible ways, which is showcased in the children’s academic, behavioral and social-emotional growth. These finalists welcomed youth into their workplaces for job shadowing, paid for groceries when finances were tight, walked through emotionally challenging situations, celebrated birthdays on Zoom and so much more. Each of these finalists embodies the organization’s mission of igniting the potential in today’s youth, and serve as incredible advocates for Big Brothers Big Sisters at work, in their social networks and within the community.
“Our mentors come from all backgrounds and walks of life, but they share a common belief in the power of mentorship. These six mentors have channeled that belief into cultivating meaningful and lasting connections with their mentees in a time when so many of us feel isolated,” said Jennifer O’Farrell, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Inland Empire. “We are so grateful for the contributions of these finalists and all our volunteers that allow us to celebrate and enhance the power and promise of today’s youth.”
Find out what's happening in Lake Elsinore-Wildomarfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The Inland Empire Big of the Year winners will be announced at the end of January, with a closed ceremony celebrating the winners in March. Community members excited about changing the world by empowering local youth as a mentor are encouraged to visit www.iebigs.org/mentoringmonth.
To learn more about the organization, visit: www.iebigs.org or www.ocbigs.org.
This press release was produced by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire. The views expressed here are the author's own.
