BIG things are happening at JBBBS

Last month, we learned with sadness of the passing of Norman Azer, a long-time Big Brother and a man who embodied all JBBBS stands for.

Decades ago, Norman raised his hand and showed up for a child he did not know, and he continued showing up for him for decades. His Little Brother Scott was there for him, too. A week before Norman passed, Scott went to see his beloved Big Brother one last time, and he got to tell him thank you for all the years of showing up. He told Norman he was the father he never had, and the man he is today is because of Norman's mentorship, guidance, and support.

We first learned of Norman's passing when donations in his memory began arriving. I am sorry to say I had never heard his name before. Soon after, his wife, Sharlene, called and shared more about Norman and the beautiful life they built together. She told us that many years ago, Norman was named JBBBS Volunteer of the Year award, an honor he treasured so much that he proudly kept the trophy on his mantle.

I am sad it took Norman's passing for me to learn his name. Perhaps for an agency that has served Greater Boston for more than 100 years, it is impossible to know the name of everyone who has made an impact. Still, I wish I had known him.

Later this month, as we honor four extraordinary volunteers at the BIG Brunch, I will be thinking about Norman and the countless relationships JBBBS volunteers have built across generations.

My ask is simple. If you were a JBBBS volunteer or participant, reach out, tell us your story. If you have never been part of our program before, let this be the moment you ask yourself, is it time to raise your hand the way Norman did?

May Norman's memory be a blessing.

Lauren Korn, JBBBS President and CEO

Welcome Our New Board Members

We’re pleased to welcome three new members to the JBBBS Board of Directors. Each brings valuable professional expertise, a commitment to community, and a shared belief in the power of meaningful relationships.

Ali Slavet

Ali is a Partner at Day Pitney LLP, where she advises companies, investors and executives on corporate matters. A longtime advocate for children and the Jewish community, Ali brings both her professional expertise and a deep commitment to supporting young people to the JBBBS Board.

Anthony Lehv

Anthony is a senior legal executive and Managing Director of Gabriel Advisors, with more than 30 years of experience in corporate governance, compliance and risk management. A JBBBS volunteer Big since 2025, Anthony brings both professional expertise and firsthand experience with the impact of mentorship to his Board service.

John Percival

John is a Senior Regional Vice President at TJX Companies, bringing extensive business and leadership experience to the JBBBS Board. He is passionate about youth mentorship and looks forward to helping JBBBS strengthen its impact in the community.

JBBBS Recognized for Program Excellence

We’re proud to share that JBBBS has been named a 2025 Impact Award winner by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA), recognizing excellence in its 1-to-1 youth mentoring program.

JBBBS is one of just 20 organizations out of 240 agencies nationwide to receive this honor. The Impact Award recognizes agencies demonstrating outstanding success in sustaining the number of mentors and youth matched year over year.

This national recognition reflects the strength of our mentoring program and our commitment to creating and sustaining meaningful relationships that make a lasting difference.

Celebrate the Match Effect at The BIG Brunch

Join us on Sunday, October 25 for The BIG Brunch, a celebration of the relationships at the heart of JBBBS.

This year, we’ll celebrate The Match Effect: what happens when a JBBBS match grows into a trusted, lasting friendship that continues to shape both lives beyond the program.

We’ll honor four extraordinary volunteers with the Chaverut Award, recognizing the spirit of friendship they bring to their matches: Amy Geller, Adam Gross, Andy Holmes, and Robert Ward. Guests will also hear directly from our honorees during a special Match Effect panel moderated by JBBBS Board Chair Evan Grossman.

Come celebrate our volunteers, hear their stories, and experience The Match Effect firsthand.

Welcoming a New Year Together

Members of MAGIC came together to celebrate the Jewish New Year and embrace a season of reflection, change, and new beginnings.

Together, the group practiced Tashlich by writing regrets on dissolving paper and letting them go, then looked ahead by decorating Jewish calendars with important milestones, special dates, and, of course, their “Friend-aversaries.”

With new staff, a new location, and a new year ahead, the gathering was a meaningful reminder that while some things change, the friendships and connections at the heart of MAGIC continue to grow.