Jamaica Mentee + Medford Mentor Celebrate Youth Mentoring

JAMAICA PLAIN, MEDFORD, Mass. – January is National Mentoring Month. Damaris Sosa, 15, of Jamaica Plain, and Anne Castner-Williams, 29, of Medford, are living proof that youth mentoring programs have a tremendous impact on both the youth and families served as well as the adults who volunteer as their mentors.

Castner-Williams and Sosa have been paired together in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts’ (BBBSEM) signature community-based mentoring program for nearly seven years, developing a close mentoring relationship. When they were first matched in April 2018, the then 9-year-old Sosa felt shy but over time began to open up to Castner-Williams as the duo bonded over shared interests, like music, theater, and their love of musicals, like Mamma Mia and Hamilton. Their connection goes beyond regular hangouts and walks around the neighborhood as the pair engages in meaningful conversations around challenges and milestones in each of their lives. They consider each other family and include one another in important celebrations such as Sosa’s quinceañera, where Castner-Williams played a key role in the ceremony presenting Sosa’s first pair of heels, and Castner-William’s wedding, which both took place this past year.

"It’s really impactful to have one person in my life who chooses to be there for me, outside of family or teachers,” says Sosa, now a sophomore in high school. “For other kids, having someone who genuinely wants to spend time with them and be a constant presence can make all the difference, offering support and a sense of security. I always tell my friends to enroll in the program."

Castner-Williams, now a social worker, matched with Sosa when working at BBBSEM as an enrollment coordinator and later a match support specialist, helping to foster connections just like theirs. Having grown up in Miami and California before moving to Boston for college, she always understood the value of having mentors, and she was motivated to become a Big after seeing the need for adult role models in the lives of many young people. Throughout their time together, Castner-Williams has witnessed Sosa grow from a lively, energetic young girl into a more thoughtful and socially aware young adult. Their relationship has been rooted in quality time, with a focus on supporting each other through life’s ups and downs. The connection between them is a testament to the power of mentorship and the lasting bonds it can create.

“Staying connected to and investing in youth is essential to being truly rooted in your community,” says Castner-Williams. “The joy of a deepening relationship is powerful, as it allows you to accept a child as they are and support them through whatever comes their way. Mentorship makes a real difference, offering kids a safe, supportive adult presence that helps protect them from life's challenges and fosters the importance of meaningful connections in an increasingly isolated world."

BBBSEM is now enrolling and matching Littles and Bigs. 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.

In its 76 years, BBBSEM has supported more than 25,000 youth. 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 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 76 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.

###