New City, NY – The Rockland County Legislature recently hosted a graduation ceremony for Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Rockland County, honoring the dedication and hard work of local mentors and the youth they serve. The ceremony recognized the positive impact of this year’s participants, with special acknowledgment given to the journey of Little Brother Wilkins Peralta and his Big Brother Jeff Epstein.
“Big Brothers Big Sisters profoundly impacts the lives of young people, not only while they are involved in the program but also in the years to come,” said Rockland County Legislature Majority Leader Alden H. Wolfe. “The experiences they gain help create a strong foundation that empowers them to pursue their greatest dreams.”
BBBS of Rockland County has paired adult mentors with youth aged seven to 18, providing opportunities for low-cost or no-cost activities that help foster trust, build meaningful connections, and inspire self-confidence. The program has a longstanding history of empowering youth to recognize their potential and pursue their goals.
This year’s ceremony spotlighted Little Brother Wilkins Peralta, who has been involved with BBBS since 2016. He has made significant strides in both his academic and extracurricular activities, including playing football and wrestling at his high school and being an active participant in Students Against Drugs. Wilkins has plans to attend Rockland Community College to pursue a degree in criminal justice, with aspirations of becoming a police officer and serving underserved communities.
Wilkins expressed deep gratitude to his mentor and the BBBS program: “I want to say thank you to Big Brothers and Sisters and Jeff for giving me this opportunity. Thank you to my mom for putting me into this program. If it wasn’t for her, I would not be here.”
Big Brother Epstein, who has been mentoring Wilkins since August 2021, shared how rewarding their relationship has been, noting that while the goal was to provide support, he’s also learned a great deal from Wilkins. “When we are young, we look to make a big splash in life, which is normal and good. Later in life we realize that it’s the ripples we create that touch the most lives. Wilkins is special. Since his youth, he has been drawn to a career in law enforcement with the goal of being a positive role model for underserved communities.”
This year marks the 42nd anniversary of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rockland County, and Legislator Wolfe highlighted the contributions of countless adults who have selflessly volunteered as mentors to local youth, often for years. “It’s worth noting the tremendous efforts of the Big Brothers Big Sisters staff and board, who keep everything running, often under challenging circumstances, so that our youth not only have better tomorrows but better todays.”
The success of BBBS can be seen not only in the lives of individual youth but also in the broader community. Research by Public/Private Ventures, a national research organization, has shown that youth who participate in the mentoring program are more likely to succeed in school, have better relationships with family and friends, and are less likely to engage in substance abuse.
BBBS of Rockland County continues to make a significant impact in the community, and the ceremony was a testament to the powerful relationships formed through mentorship. For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rockland County, including how to volunteer or sign up as a mentee, visit BBBS Rockland County or call (845) 317-0311.