Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson, & Union Counties, NJ

06/18/2026

It takes a village. 💚 We WON! 🏆

Honored to be recognized as 1 of only 5 agencies in the nation to receive the Pinnacle Award, celebrating 4 consecutive years of Impact & Growth.

This achievement belongs to our Littles, Bigs, families, staff, board, donors, and community partners. Thank you for believing in the power of mentoring and helping us create brighter tutures for our youth every day.

Together, we're proving what's possible when a community comes together for kids.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

05/10/2026

Wishing a very Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms and mother figures in our BBBS family — those connected by blood, by bond, and by love. Your compassion, strength, and constant support help shape brighter futures every single day.

Today, we celebrate you and all that you do. We hope your day is filled with love, laughter, special moments, and a little well-deserved time for yourself.

04/18/2026

Global Leadership College Program: London (April 2026). BBBS Travels.

04/17/2026

Jersey City Medical Center Sneaker Gala in full effect! Our team was proud to support our longstanding partners at JCMC & RWJBH as well as BBBS Advisory Board Member Suraj Kaufmans’s Sneaker Room Foundation while also having fun representing during the event with our BBBS green Nikes. BBBS was honored to host Jersey City Mayor Solomon and his wife at our table. Our CEO Carlos Lejnieks is JCMC’s immediate past Chairman and BBBS Trustee & Big Brother, Brett Harwood , was also past Chairman of JCMC.

04/16/2026

Thank you, Senator Cory Booker, for the shout out. And congratulations on the well deserved recognition from our Big Brothers Big Sisters of America . It was an honor to have our NJ delegation celebrate with you in Washington, DC and to have our CEO Carlos Lejnieks introduce you at the ceremony.

Humbled and deeply moved to fight for our nation’s future alongside Being a Big Brother has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.

Grateful to every mentor changing futures. Let’s keep showing up for our kids.

04/15/2026

“You can’t be what you can’t see.”

Today was an inspiring day as our youth stepped onto the campus of American University.

We’re incredibly grateful to Senator Booker for making our DC experience unforgettable with his team hosting a tour of the Hart Senate Office Building and a powerful Q&A session with his staff, Dr. Juan Rios, who is a BBBS “alumni Little” from Jersey City. Dr. Rios spoke powerfully to our Littles about growing up from our communities and seeking pathways to higher education and career.

From our communities to college and career pathways, Juan reminded our Littles that their stories matter—and their futures are limitless. 💚

04/14/2026

: We’re honored to celebrate Senator Cory Booker, recognized as "Advocate of the Year" by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. From Newark to the national stage, Senator Booker’s leadership reflects a deep, enduring commitment to young people—and to the power of mentoring relationships to change lives.

As the Senator shared in a room full of BBBS professionals and supporters: “In so many ways, what you all are doing shows that one plus one isn’t two. One plus one can be infinity — something transformative that changes perspectives and lifts people to the highest heights.”

And as our CEO Carlos Lejnieks reflected: “Senator Booker didn’t just support mentoring — he helped build it. His belief in the potential of our young people continues to inspire mentors, volunteers, and communities across the country.”

Local roots, national impact—this is what it looks like when leadership meets purpose.

🔗 Swipe left to Read more or visit: https://www.insidernj.com/press-release/senator-cory-booker-honored-as-advocate-of-the-year-by-big-brothers-big-sisters-of-america-at-a-ceremony-in-the-hart-senate-building/

Senator Cory Booker with Newark Little Brother Que Riggins; Carlos Lejnieks, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties (BBBSEHU); Artis Stevens, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA); and BBBSEHU staff and trustees. Photo courtesy of Big Brothers Big Sisters of E...

04/10/2026

Global Leadership College Program in full effect!
Today, we focused on academics taking part in a day at the London School of Economics. Our scholars took part in a lecture, discussed global issues & took part in a student led tour with peer mentors for the day. Our young scholars shined bright today - as they always do!

04/10/2026

Cheers from Big Ben!
Global Leadership College Program: London Edition.

04/02/2026

💚 Grateful for the opportunity to inspire the next generation of healthcare leaders! 🏥🩺

We were thrilled to host “Women in Healthcare: Exploring Your Future” with RWJBarnabas Health | Jersey City Medical Center, bringing together a packed room and an incredible panel of women leaders across behavioral health, medicine, and cardiology.

A heartfelt thank you to our moderator & amazing panelists:

✨ Kristen G. Luzzi-Odorisio, LPC, NCC, ACS – Director of Behavioral Health
✨ Dr. Ijeoma Akunyili, MD, MBA, MPA – Chief Medical Officer
✨ Dr. Alexandra Ward, MD – Director of Women’s Cardiology
✨ Lolitta Kirby, LSW, LCADC – Behavioral Health
✨ Jasmine Bryant, LCSW, CCTP – Behavioral Health
✨ Karina Rodriguez, LSW – Behavioral Health

Their powerful stories, career journeys, and real-world advice empowered our Littles to see what’s possible and explore their own futures in healthcare.

Moments like these spark curiosity, build confidence, and remind us what’s possible when young people are surrounded by strong, inspiring role models. 💫