Big Brothers Big Sisters of Monmouth & Middlesex Counties selected Michael Witkowski as its Beyond School Walls Big Brother of the Year.
The Old Bridge resident said this is his third year participating in the program.
“I had heard of the program from some of the other Bigs at Raritan Bay. It sounded like a great program. I thought that I could help a young person find a career path that interested them,” he said.
Witkowski reported that he is mentoring his “Little” Jefry this year.
“I have enjoyed getting to know some fine young men through the program. The students I have worked with have been very motivated and have had a good idea of their path after high school. I enjoy sharing my experiences with them but most importantly I just listen to what they have to say,” Witkowski said.
He continued, “I was very surprised when I was told that I would be recognized this year for just doing something that I really enjoy. All of the Bigs on the program are making a difference in the life of a young person.”
The BBBS is a one-to-one mentoring program for children ages six to 14. Children are matched with an adult volunteer who spends time building a relationship that will positively impact their life and future, according to BBBS Director of Development Marybeth Bull.
The BBBS of Monmouth County began in 1976 by Monmouth County resident Curtis Colby who saw a need for youth mentoring, according to Bull. In 2011, the agency expanded into Middlesex County. The agency currently provides mentoring for more than 700 local children through its headquarters in Asbury Park and satellite office in New Brunswick.
The agency held its annual “Big Recognition” event in honor of National Mentoring Month, and to publicly congratulate its four Bigs of the Year, on Jan. 29 at Joe Amiel’s Bay Pointe Inn in Highlands, according to Bull.
Along with Witkowski, fellow nominees were Big Sister of the Year Carol Weshnak of Point Pleasant, Big Brother of the Year Joe Lawson of North Brunswick and School Program Big Sister of the Year Ana of Perth Amboy. Since Ana is a minor, she chose not to disclose her full name.
Lawson said he started in the New York City BBBS program in 2011 and has been with BBBS of Monmouth & Middlesex Counties for the past four years.
“I thought about things I could do to make the world a better place. I had already worked on mentoring programs in corporate America and so I very much believed in the power of mentoring. I also know children who needed mentoring too since I am very much aware of the plight of young black men in this society,” Lawson said. “I had successfully raised four children, all of whom are college graduates, and realized that I had something to offer. Of all the things I could do, this I thought could have the most impact on the life of a young person.”
By mentoring his “Little” Nadale, Lawson said he enjoyed “the companionship and camaraderie. Nadale is my friend. I respect him and value his company. Tied for this is seeing Nadale succeed and fulfill his dreams. I live vicariously through him in that sense.”
“I believe that any number of people deserve this award. I am happy it was me, but I have deep respect for all the people in the program. This is not easy. It is a commitment. I wish everyone could be recognized, so my job is to represent the program and all the other Bigs as best as possible since I am just one of many,” Lawson said.
A registered nurse for the past 45 years, Weshnak said she has been the Big Sister to her Little Kylelle for 11 years.
“It was an honor to be chosen and a big surprise. The time I have spent with my Little has been a wonderful experience. I would encourage anyone who has the love and time to be a Big. It is giving back to a child,” Weshnak said.
“Children who are mentored through BBBS are more likely to avoid risky behaviors, have better grades, improved relationships and better self-esteem. Our goal is for them to graduate high school and go on to college and a successful future,” Bull said.
For more information, visit www.bbbsmmc.org/about-us/.
Contact Vashti Harris at [email protected].