RIVERSIDE, Calif. (Jan. 6, 2020 ) – Kicking off National Mentoring Month, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Inland Empire is recognizing exceptional volunteers who went above and beyond in the local community. The nonprofit, which matches youth facing adversity (Littles) one-to-one with a caring mentor (Bigs), today announced the 2020 Big of the Year finalists in Riverside and San Bernardino counties:
Big Brother of the Year finalists
- Adrian Alvarez of Riverside
- Tyler Hungerford of Riverside
- John Solek of Temecula
Big Sister of the Year finalists
- Ashley DePottey of Redlands
- Laurel Nelson of Corona
This year’s finalists have demonstrated significant impact in the lives of their Littles, evidenced by each child’s academic, behavioral and social-emotional progress. Finalists have demonstrated a passion for the organization’s mission and have been champions for Big Brothers Big Sisters through recruitment efforts and advocacy of mentorship in the community.
“We’re so proud and grateful to celebrate the ongoing commitment from our Big of the Year finalists,” said Jennifer O’Farrell, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Inland Empire. “Through one-to-one mentoring, we have a chance to see our region succeed. These six individuals and more than 1,300 other volunteers are championing youth to rise up and lead us into the future. Because of them, we will have an educated workforce with kids graduating high school and going to college, creating generational change here in our community.”
Inland Empire Big of the Year winners will be announced at a private National Mentorship Month Celebration on Jan. 28 in Riverside.
National Mentoring Month is empowered locally by Dot Dot Smile. Guided by a purpose to Create Smiles and Build Confidence, DotDotSmile believes in people and helping them to a path where they can thrive.
To learn more about the organization or how to get involved, visit: www.iebigs.org.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire
Big Brothers Big Sisters believes every child is born with potential. Yet, one-third of the nation’s youth are growing up without a mentor who can help them overcome challenges such as poverty, unstable housing, absentee parents and lack of access to educational resources. Since 1958, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire has provided youth facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported, one-to-one mentoring relationships. With a mentor, youth are able to achieve milestones such as high school graduation, set postsecondary goals and strive for long-term success as they achieve their full potential. For more information visit iebigs.org.
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