Uptown Man Honored For Big Brother Volunteering

UPPER MANHATTAN, NY — An Uptown man who mentored a 9-year-old boy in 2018 was honored for his volunteer service, Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC announced this week.

In less than one year together, Danny Rodriguez helped his mentee Dexter overcome bullying at his school and suceed in bothhis acadmic and personal pursuits, a spokesperson for Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC said. Rodriguez was honored as the non-profit's "Manhattan Big of the Year" in a ceremony at local City Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez' district office in Washington Heights.

"Danny and Dexter’s relationship is truly special, and it exemplifies the power mentoring has to positively change lives," Jon May, interim executive director of BBBS of NYC, said in a statement. "We thank Danny for his ongoing commitment to serving as a reliable role model to this young person."

Because of Rodriguez' mentorship, Dexter has gained confidence in his social skills and learned how to express his feelings in positive ways, a non-profit spokesperson said. The mentor has even supported Dexter's family by connecting them with resources.

The Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC honor their most dedicated volunteers in each borough every year in January to celebrate National Mentoring Month. The month also serves as the non-profit's launch of its annual recruitment campaign for mentors.

"When young people have positive role models, like Danny, in their corner, the sky is the limit as to what they can achieve," Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez said in astatement. "I am proud to celebrate this exceptional Big and the power of mentoring with Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC."

Photos courtesy Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC