Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern MA Names 2024 Match of the Year

BOSTON, Mass. – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts (BBBSEM) has named Eric Wirth, 41, of South Boston, and Jalil Presley-Rogers, 17, of Dorchester, as the agency’s 2024 Match of the Year. The match is one of nearly 4,000 matches the nonprofit serves annually with life-altering one-to-one mentoring relationships for youth.

Wirth was matched with his mentee, referred to as his Little, Jalil Presley- Rogers, then age 12, in 2019. Over the past five years, they have enjoyed being active and exploring Boston together, playing basketball and visiting museums, and have engaged in meaningful conversations supporting each other through tough times, which was especially evident when they maintained their connection virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic. With a shared heart for service, the duo has been active in the community volunteering and advocating for people with disabilities and for increased gun safety. Born with a hearing impairment, Presley-Rogers understands what it’s like to overcome obstacles. He has also witnessed violence in his own neighborhood. Wirth has been by Presley-Roger’s side every step of the way as his Little channels his own experiences to help others for which he was honored by the Boston Celtics in 2022 with the “Heroes Among Us” award.

“Mentoring Jalil has reshaped my understanding of the mentorship role,” says Wirth. “Observing his dedication and resilience in the face of challenges has been a profound lesson in empathy and perseverance. The moments we shared – from casual conversations about his day to celebrating his achievements – have been a source of joy and personal growth. Jalil's journey reminded me that mentorship is a two-way street, where both individuals learn, grow, and evolve. His successes, such as receiving prestigious awards and scholarships, were not just milestones in his life but also in mine, as they underscored the importance of guidance and support in a young person's life.”

As the now 17-year-old high school junior prepares to apply to college to pursue a career in sports medicine, Wirth could not be prouder of Presley-Rogers. He works hard academically and credits his mentor for teaching him that success can come in many forms, including recognizing an area for growth and asking for help.

“Since being matched, Eric has taught me so much,” says Presley-Rogers. “He’s taught me how to carry myself as a young man in this world. He’s also encouraged me to be more confident. If I didn’t have Eric in my life, I don’t see myself having the same kind of energy for life that I have. I wouldn’t be as confident or as outspoken as I am, and I wouldn’t have the awareness I do for other people and what is going on in the world and around me.”

With research and proven outcomes at its core, BBBSEM creates matches based on shared interests, geography and personality and serves as a consistent resource for Bigs, Littles and their families. The organization serves as a bridge between communities and community partners, helping to address larger social issues, such as race and education gaps.

“Eric and Jalil are a wonderful match who truly exemplify what a mentoring relationship should be: two people, coming together to help highlight and build up strengths, identify and challenge areas of growth, discover core values, and just have fun,” says Mark O’Donnell, President & CEO of BBBSEM. “Having a caring adult in their corner can make all the difference for children and teens. We need more caring adults, like Eric, to step up for our children to become mentors to ensure they reach their fullest potential.”

Mentoring is one protective measure that adults can take to minimize risk factors, such as lack of motivation, anxiety, stress, and isolation, that are threatening children’s mental health and academic success. A national study of 950 youth from eight Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies showed that positive relationships between Littles and their Bigs have a direct and measurable impact on children’s lives. Big Brothers Big Sisters’ matches consistently spend more time together, and continue as a match for longer periods, than those in other mentoring programs. Results also showed Bigs help Littles learn right from wrong, make better life choices, do better in school and advance to the next grade level.

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 75th year, the largest Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliate in New England has created and served more than 25,000 matches and will serve nearly 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 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 75 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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