Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cumberland & Salem Counties (BBBS) welcomes Yeila Rivera (pictured at left) and Yolise Sosa to the team, Rivera as its new program manager and Sosa as its new enrollment and matching specialist.

As a former Big Sister, Rivera understands the importance and function of the BBBS high school mentoring program in the community and is passionate about enriching students’ lives as they make important decisions about their future. She is proud to be a first-generation college graduate. She was born in Puerto Rico but grew up here in Vineland, and completed her social work degree, graduating with distinction, at Georgian Court University in May 2022. She understands firsthand the value of committing to the pursuit of education amid cultural differences and language barriers.

Rivera shared, “I believe in the importance of the mission and vision of BBBS and am delighted to apply my knowledge and commitment to the program.”

In college, Rivera was an active member of the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) program, Social Work Club, Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society, and Chi Alpha Epsilon Honor Society. As program manager for the BBBS High School Mentoring, she will invest in the program and the students who volunteer. The High School Mentoring program allows high school students to volunteer their time mentoring younger children. In serving others these mentors will see the difference they can make in someone else’s life while strengthening their own critical thinking and listening skills.

Yolise Sosa (pictured at right), the BBBS new enrollment and matching specialist is a native of South Jersey and grew up in a tight-knit Puerto Rican and Dominican family. Her family prioritized education and involvement in community organizations and programs. While pursuing her bachelor’s degree at attending La Salle University, Sosa volunteered as a Big Sister and found advocating for children extremely fulfilling. After graduating, she worked as a child enrichment coordinator for DREAM, a mentoring youth program. She is now pursuing her Master’s in Social Work at Rutgers University.

“I hope to help bridge the opportunity gap that continues to affect children,” Sosa said.

To learn more about the role mentoring plays in our community or additional ways to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cumberland & Salem Counties, call 856-692-0916 or visit southjerseybigs.org.