LEADERSHIP

Dear Friends,

Last year marked a period of big change for Big Sister Boston. We celebrated the 16-year legacy of leadership left by outgoing President & CEO, Deb Re, while we looked to the future of our organization and our Little Sisters. Through funding partnerships, we hired a Coordinator of Big for a Day to grow the program that engages Little Sisters from the time they are enrolled, and we hired members of our Junior Advisory Board (teen Big and Little Sisters) as summer interns. We held more in-person activities for our Big and Little Sisters when it was safe to do so. We brought back in-person fundraising events for the first time since 2019. And you, our Big Sister Boston community, showed up. You showed up for us and you showed up for the girls.

Through it all, we know that it remains a critical time for girls. Recent research from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) shows that teens, especially girls, are experiencing more violence, suicidal thoughts, and mental health challenges than ever before. Dr. Debra Houry, the CDC’s Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Director for Program and Science said: “America’s teen girls are engulfed in a growing wave of sadness, violence and trauma.” Experts have cited mentorship programs as one intervention that can address this alarming trend.

In 2022, 1,146 girls had the care, guidance, and support of a relationship with a trusted adult, a Big Sister. You – our volunteers, funders, and partners – made this possible. Our staff expertly navigated the changing landscape for girls, providing professional coaching to our Big Sisters, Little Sisters, and Little Sisters’ families. Additionally, we engaged in a range of initiatives to support our ongoing commitment to ensure that our staff, board, and volunteers represent the diverse communities we serve and that we continue to learn and grow together.

We saw what is possible for our Little Sisters in the stories of alumnae Leila and Migleila, featured at Big in Boston. Both young women benefited from long-term mentoring relationships that have become life-long adult friendships. Both are financially independent and continue to work toward their individual goals with the encouragement of their Big Sisters. Both represent the future.

Throughout the changes of 2022, our commitment to the girls and women of Greater Boston has remained steadfast. We will continue to evolve to meet the needs of girls and women; innovating programming and re-envisioning what is possible for their futures. Thank you for being part of this journey into her big future with us.

In gratitude,

Annissa Essaibi George Carey Cort President & CEO Board Chair