Plymouth Educator To Run Road Race in Support of Youth Mentoring

On August 20, Erica Barrett, 47, current resident of Mashpee and educator in Plymouth, will run in the Falmouth Road Race. She will run to raise money and awareness for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts, the state’s leading one-to-one mentoring program for youth.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts serves youth who are in need of support from additional caring adults in their lives. Children are paired with mentors across Eastern Massachusetts from the Merrimack Valley to Cape Code and Islands. The organization’s signature community-based program pairs adult mentors with youth, ages 7-12, in one-to-one matches based on shared interests, geography and personality. The organization also has a school-based program, campus-based program and Big Futures, a technology-based program. In its 74th year, the largest Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliate in New England has created and served more than 20,000 matches. This year, the nonprofit will serve over 1,000 matches.

“I have been an educator in Plymouth for over 25 years and have seen the impact a mentor can have on a young person firsthand,” says Barrett. “When my friend, Wilma Lopez, took over as the Fundraising Manager for Big Brothers Big Sisters, I volunteered to be part of the fundraising team for this worthy cause.”

Barrett is one of 23 Falmouth Road Race runners hitting the pavement and fundraising for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts this year. Her goal is to raise $2,000 to support the cause.

“Families have enough to worry about as we continue to rebuild from the pandemic during historic inflation rates,” says Mark O’Donnell, President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts. “We are grateful to individuals, like Erica, who are finding creative ways to further our mission to ensure our adult mentors remain a constant and accessible resource for youth who may feel a greater sense of instability. We need the public’s continued support so that we can continue serving as many youth and families as possible.”

To support Barrett, visit: https://raceroster.com/events/2023/71069/the-2023-asics-falmouth-road-race/pledge/participant/18947429

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts 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 Brothers Big Sisters of Cape Cod & the Islands

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cape Cod & the Islands is an innovative, energetic organization that is making a real difference in the lives of nearly 300 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 Cape Cod and the Islands 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 Cape Cod and Island communities by helping youth achieve their full potential, contributing to healthier families, better schools, more confident futures and stronger communities. For more information about the agency and its mission, visit www.capebigs.org.