L to R: Big Sister Kristen Erekson with Little Sister Joi’elle at a recent Celtics game.
— Photo courtesy of Kristen Erekson

Annual matching gift campaign through December 31 supports Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts

Somerville resident and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts (BBBSEM) volunteer mentor Kristen Erekson is marking 20 years of combined mentorship to her two Little Sisters. For the fifth consecutive year, Erekson, a longtime Big Sister and BBBSEM Board of Advisors member, will match every donation made from now through December 31 to support BBBSEM’s year-round one-to-one youth mentoring programs.

For more than two decades, Erekson has demonstrated the transformative power of mentorship. She was matched with her first Little Sister, Wild, in 2007. Over 18 years together, they have navigated achievements, challenges, and life’s pivotal moments, from school and friendships to career decisions. Their bond continues to grow stronger, extending beyond the formal mentoring program.

After Wild aged out of the program, Erekson was matched with her current Little Sister, Joi’elle. In their nearly three years together, they’ve explored the zoo, learned to roller skate, tried new recipes, and built a relationship rooted in trust, joy and possibility.

“I’ve gotten so much more out of this program than I expected,” says Erekson. “I’ve seen her [Joi’elle] build confidence and embrace new experiences.”

In honor of Erekson’s 20 years of steadfast commitment, she will match every gift made between now and December 31 dollar for dollar, doubling the impact of donations to BBBSEM’s mentoring programs.

BBBSEM is the state’s leading one-to-one mentoring program for youth. The nonprofit partners with families to provide children with one-to-one relationships with caring adult mentors who help them reach their fullest potential. Over the past seven decades, BBBSEM has supported more than 25,000 youth.

To donate to Erekson’s matching gift campaign and support BBBSEM’s year-round one-to-one youth mentoring programs, visit: https://support.emassbigs.org/campaign/753102/donate.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts is an innovative, energetic organization that is making a real difference in the lives of over 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.