Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cumberland and Salem Counties Wins Board of the Year and Growth Awards

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cumberland and Salem Counties (BBBS Cumberland & Salem Counties) Was recognized at the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) National Conference for its exceptional work in community development.  

Conference co-chairs Carol B. Tomé, chief executive officer of UPS, and Arthur M. Blank, owner and chairman of the Blank family of businesses, made the event possible through their unwavering support. The annual conference featured numerous speakers, including Martin Luther King, III, Brittany Hodak, and Frankie Russo. 

“We are honored to be recognized by the entire organization, and we are tremendously grateful for our amazing board of trustees,” said BBBS Cumberland & Salem Counties Board of Trustees Chair Erin Feldman Mendez. “The commitment of our board members to personal accountability has generated more scholarships, human connections, and brighter futures than ever before.” 

“We are so proud and honored to be recognized by BBBS of America,” said BBBS Cumberland & Salem Counties President Donna Bennett.  This achievement belongs to our amazing Board, whose hard work, passion, and dedication this past year have made a lasting impact on our community.

BBBS Cumberland & Salem Counties launched its five-year strategic plan in 2025 that is set to bolster progress. The plan involves heightened attentiveness to milestones and a push for innovative, data-driven approaches to fundraising, such as the implementation of the software tools Gravyty and Tix for Good. Total enrollment grew by 48% in the past five years, and the organization provided scholarships for 15 Littles and food for over 1,300 individuals as a result of new measures. 

“The board of BBBS Cumberland & Salem Counties exemplifies what visionary leadership looks like across our national network,” said Artis Stevens, president and CEO of BBBSA. “Their strategic guidance, unwavering commitment to quality mentoring, and relentless focus on measurable youth outcomes have helped set the standard for what a local board in our mission can accomplish. Through their leadership, they have created transformational opportunities for thousands of young people across New Jersey and its surrounding communities. We are proud to recognize them as our 2025 Board of the Year and celebrate the extraordinary leadership they bring to this work every day.” 

The South Jersey based branch of BBBSA began in the 1970’s with the Big Brothers of Vineland, a one-on-one mentoring program for boys referred by the judicial system. By 2005, this program evolved into a dual-county service organization that serves boys and girls no longer referred by the judicial system. Its latest initiatives stay true to the organization’s mentorship philosophy, such as the Creating Access to Resources, Events and Support program.

Bennett, middle, poses with the Board of the Year Award alongside BBBSA Board Chair Michael Carrel, left, and Stevens, right.