Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern MA Celebrates Eric Wirth

BOSTON/DORCHESTER, Mass. – April is National Volunteer Month. To celebrate, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts (BBBSEM) is honoring Eric Wirth, 39, of Boston, one of the hundreds of volunteers for the state’s leading one-to-one youth mentoring program. He has been matched with his mentee, referred to as his “Little Brother,” Jalil Presley Rogers, 15, of Dorchester, since 2019. The nonprofit partners with under-resourced families to provide children, referred to as Little Brothers and Little Sisters, with caring adult mentors, referred to as Big Brothers and Big Sisters, who help them reach their fullest potential.

With research and proven outcomes at its core, BBBSEM creates matches based on shared interests, geography and personality and serves as a consistent resource for Bigs, Littles and their families. The organization serves as a bridge between communities and community partners, helping to address larger social issues, such as race and education gaps.

When Wirth first met his mentee four years ago, he leveraged the agency’s “ice breaker” activities to determine common interests. The duo immediately hit it off and have since spent their time together volunteering, playing basketball, visiting museums and parks across Greater Boston, and talking about everything from family, to sports and careers and more. In the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic, Wirth and Presley Rogers maintained their relationship through FaceTime and texting and began meeting again face-to-face as soon as possible. They rarely go two weeks without touching base. Now, Wirth is focused on supporting Presley Rogers as the high school basketball player plans to attend a four-year college after graduation to pursue a career in sports medicine.

“From the first day we met, I have seen Jalil grow in every way, literally and figuratively,” says Wirth, who works in consulting in the life science industry. “His ambitions and confidence have blossomed as he has seen how making an effort draws in the support of the adults in his life. He knows that he is capable of so much more than he realized, but that it won't happen all at once, and not without long-term commitment. It’s inspiring to see!”

Wirth’s mentoring relationship is one example of protective measures that adults can take as mentors to help minimize risk factors, such as lack of motivation, anxiety, stress and isolation, that are threatening children’s mental health and academic success. A national study of 950 youth from eight Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies showed that positive relationships between Littles and their Bigs have a direct and measurable impact on children’s lives. Big Brothers Big Sisters’ matches consistently spend more time together, and continue as a match for longer periods, than those in other mentoring programs. Results also showed Bigs help Littles learn right from wrong, make better life choices, do better in school and advance to the next grade level.

“Eric has helped me learn to speak up more since I used to be quiet, like in school, in my house, with my friends, and in the community,” says Presley Rogers, who earlier this year was honored by the Boston Celtics with the Heroes Among Us Award for his own volunteer work cooking on weekends to feed the homeless. “He's helped me give and get respect. He's shown me how to push myself further. He told me how the Navy SEALs have a 40 percent rule that when you feel like you have nothing left to give you are only 40 percent at your limit and I use that when I think I've done all I can in school or in basketball. Eric is an excellent role model in my eyes.”

Anyone can become a Big as the agency welcomes youth and adults of all races, ethnicities, cultures, socio-economic backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, and physical abilities. Volunteers must be 18 years old or older and be able to commit a few hours a few times a month for at least a year and have a passion for positively impacting a young person’s life.

“It may be cliché, but I have no doubt I've benefited more from the mentoring experience than Jalil,” says Wirth. “I've learned to appreciate all the many privileges I've had in my life and how they've positioned me for success. I've also been given the gift of exploring the world in ways I never would have otherwise as I want to share it all with Jalil. Trust that if you become a Big you will not regret it. While each person's experience will undoubtedly be unique, there is no better way to learn how much you have to offer just by being yourself.”

In its 70th year, BBBSEM has created and served more than 20,000 matches. The nonprofit is now enrolling and matching Littles and Bigs. For more information, to register your children or to become a volunteer, visit: www.emassbigs.org.

About Big Brother Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts is an innovative, energetic organization that is making a real difference in the lives of nearly 4,000 youth annually by providing them with an invested, caring adult mentor in long-term, professionally supported relationships. With research and proven outcomes at its core, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts is working to defend the potential of children facing adversity and ensure every child has the support from caring adults that they need for healthy development and success in life. The organization’s vision is to inspire, engage and transform communities in Eastern Massachusetts by helping youth achieve their full potential, contributing to healthier families, better schools, more confident futures and stronger communities. Throughout its 70 years, the largest Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliate in New England has created and served more than 20,000 matches. For more information about the agency and its mission, visit www.emassbigs.org.

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