Rockland Legislature Celebrates Big Brothers Big Sisters Graduation

from the Rockland County Legislature

The Rockland County Legislature hosted this year’s graduation ceremony for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rockland County, honoring two youths and their volunteer mentors for their many accomplishments.

“Big Brothers Big Sisters makes a positive difference in the lives of youth, not only while actively engaged in the program but also in the years ahead because their experiences lay down a firm foundation from which they can launch their greatest dreams,” Rockland County Legislature Second Vice Chairwoman Harriet Cornell said.

“The adult mentors deserve tremendous thanks for their devotion to the program and to the youth they mentor during the child’s formative years,” Legislator Cornell added. “The young mentees are to be praised for their participation and for valuing all they learn from their mentors, enabling them to enter adulthood with strength, confidence and resilience.”

Among those joining Second Vice Chairwoman Cornell, the Legislature’s liaison to the organization, were Legislators Phil Soskin, Michael Grant, Toney L. Earl, Aney Paul, Lon Hofstein, Joel Friedman and Itamar Yeger. Also participating were Big Brothers Big Sisters’ President & CEO Gillian Ballard, Board of Directors’ Chairwoman Jennifer Sislin, Board members Robert Barilli and Jim Lugo, Program Supervisor Sarah Arras and Program Manager Daphnee Momperousse.

Little Sister Angelyna Sanchez and Big Sister Ouida Toutebon were matched since June 2017 and Angelyna credited her Big Sister for positive impacts.

“I am so grateful that I was a part of this program,” Angelyna said. “I’ve grown so much, and I’ve learned so much and thanks to Ouida because she has made me the woman I am today - very strong and powerful.”

Toutebon, who is executive director of Head Start of Rockland, said she enjoyed participating in the program, and that the many activities she and Angelyna enjoyed included trips into New York City and visits to amusement parks. She noted Angelyna enjoyed ice cream and floats.

“She was a little girl then and now she is growing up and she is off to college,” Toutebon said. “We wish her the most success. She’s been working hard in school and she has a part-time job, so she’s really grown, and I just loved the whole experience of being with her.”

Angelyna is headed to Norwich University in the fall, where she plans to study political science.

Little Sister Jaquelyn Duque-Rodriguez and Big Sister Joan Raynor were matched since October 2016.

Raynor, a retired Family Resource Coordinator at Rockland BOCES, also appreciated her experience with the program.

“I’m so thankful to have had this opportunity to work with a bright young person who enriched my life and I hope I’ve enriched hers,” Raynor said. “We’ve had a great journey and she’s off to college and I’m so happy for her.”

To Jacquelyn she added, “I’m praying God’s blessings on you that you’ll continue to grow.”

Jacquelyn will enter Rockland Community College in the fall and plans to study psychology.

“I would like to take this moment to thank everyone from Big Brothers Big Sisters who has helped me throughout the years,” Jaquelyn said. “Thank you for constantly encouraging me every step of the way. Everyone has grown to be like family to me. I am the person I am today because of your guidance.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a one-to-one relationship program that allows children to build trusting friendships, engage in meaningful conversations and activities, and to realize their self-worth and potential – all with the help of their adult mentors, who act as positive role models.

Youth who participate in the mentoring program do better in school and in their relationships with family and friends and are less likely to use illegal drugs or alcohol, according to a study by Public/Private Ventures, a Philadelphia-based national research organization.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rockland County pairs a volunteer mentor with a youth between the ages of 7 and 18 who is facing adversity. The Bigs & Littles share simple low-cost or no-cost outings allowing them time to get to know each other and to converse.

A large part of the program’s success lies with the parents of the mentees, who support their child’s participation in the program, partnering with the organization and their Bigs, so their youth may flourish.

CEO Gillian Ballard thanked the county legislators for their ongoing support of Big Brothers Big Sisters and said due to that support and the contributions of the many volunteers who participate in the program, a difference was made in the lives of many youths, including this year’s graduates.

“These mentors guide, tutor and counsel their mentees and because of this, both are going on to college,” Ballard said. “That would not have happened without the program. It truly makes a difference, and that difference is powered by the many good people who back the program. I’m so grateful for all of the support.”

The program is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and plans a gala for Nov. 11. More information about the program or the celebration gala is available at https://www.bbbsofrc.com/ or (845) 317-0311.