Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts Celebrates Oliva Charbonnier and Allisson Heredia

Dorchester/Brookline, Mass. - Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts (BBBSEM) has named Olivia Charbonnier, of Dorchester, and Allisson Heredia, 16, of Brookline, as one of the agency's 2026 Matches of the Year. Their bond, now nearly a decade strong, reflects the profound and lasting impact that long-term mentorship can have on both a young person and their mentor.

Olivia was inspired to become a Big nearly a decade ago after hosting a group of Bigs and Littles at her workplace in the Boston Mayor's Office. Watching those relationships in action and seeing the easy, genuine connection between mentors and young people was something she wanted to be part of. She signed up shortly after and was matched with Allisson when Allisson was just seven years old.

In the years since, the two have built a relationship that has grown alongside both of them, from baking together, going to baseball games, and hitting the ice skating rink when Allisson was young, to weathering the pandemic and Allisson's move to boarding school by getting creative with FaceTime calls and finding ways to make whatever time they had feel special. Along the way, the duo captured their memories in a homemade scrapbook, filled with colorful pages and stick figures documenting everything they have done together. Today their connection has deepened into something more like a close friendship, built on long conversations, shared advice, and the kind of easy comfort that only comes from years of trust, the sort that keeps them sitting together in the car long after they planned to say goodbye, still talking.

"I truly can't picture my twenties, such a formative time period in life, without Allisson being there too," says Olivia. "Watching her grow into such a successful and accomplished young person, and seeing how she navigates her teenage years with such kindness, drive, and determination, has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life."

Allisson has grown considerably since the match began. Once a shy seven-year-old, she has become a confident, emotionally mature young woman who pursues every opportunity in front of her with determination and a level head. She is currently attending boarding school on a scholarship and has her sights set on studying English Literature in college before entering the law field. Through it all, Olivia has been a steady presence: a sounding board, a cheerleader, and proof that support and care can come from outside the family.

"Olivia is special because she always knows how to show up for me," says Allisson. "She believes in me, even when I might not have the confidence myself, and she's always there without judgment."

With research and proven outcomes at its core, BBBSEM creates matches based on shared interests, geography, and personality, serving as a bridge between communities and partners to address systemic issues like social isolation, education gaps, and equity in opportunity.

"Long-term matches like this one show what is possible when a caring adult makes a sustained commitment to a young person's life,” says Mark O'Donnell, President & CEO of BBBSEM. “Olivia has been there through every transition, every milestone, and every challenge, and the young woman Allisson is becoming is a testament to what that kind of consistent, loving presence can do."

Mentoring remains one of the most effective tools for supporting young people's mental health, academic success, and self-confidence. A national study of 950 youth from eight Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies found that positive mentoring relationships result in stronger decision-making, improved academic outcomes, and more.

In its 77th year, the largest Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliate in New England has created and served more than 25,000 matches and will serve over 4,000 matches this year. For more information, to become a volunteer or to register your children, visit: www.emassbigs.org.

About Big Brothers 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 over 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 77 years, the largest Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliate in New England has created and served more than 25,000 youth. For more information about the agency and its mission, visit www.emassbigs.org.

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