Meaningful Matches: A Big Difference in a Little’s World

Cape Cod Healthcare employees Bridget Torres, Manny Marrero, Judy Kostka and JT Thompson share life-changing experiences and inspiring stories as Big Brothers Big Sisters mentors.

Big Sister: Bridget Torres, organizational and professional development consultant for Cape Cod Healthcare

Little Sister: Elizabella (“Bella”), 13

On a roll: Experiencing new adventures together

As an only child, Bridget Torres says she struggled in social situations with her peers because of her introverted personality, lack of confidence and fear of rejection.

“I could have used a Big Sister to help me step outside of my comfort zone, recognize my self-worth and inspire me to reach my full potential,” says Bridget. “As I reflected on the missed opportunities in my younger years, I decided that I wanted to be a Big Sister so I could share my experiences, provide encouragement and inspire a young girl to live her life to the fullest!”

Six years ago, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cape Cod & Islands connected Bridget with Bella –and it’s been a match made in heaven ever since. When Bridget first met Bella, she recalls the young girl hiding behind her mother, afraid to meet Bridget’s eyes. “That hidden girl no longer exists!” says Bridget.

Bridget and Bella, who meet every other weekend, step outside the box and try new activities together. “In the very beginning of our relationship, we put our imaginations to use and built a fairy garden,” says Bridget, adding this was their annual spring tradition together until Bella became a “cool teenager.” Bridget says life now is about TikTok, hikes, pottery, painting, and discussing the social scene at school. Most recently, Bridget put on roller skates to travel alongside Bella on her skateboard.

While most of their time is spent outside of work, Bella has helped Bridget put together gift bags for new hires at Cape Cod Healthcare and enhanced the assembly process into a more efficient operation. Bella enjoyed walking through the hospital, was impressed by the Lorusso Boardroom, and loved helping to set up for new hire orientation.

“The Littles in BBBS want the same thing,” says Bridget. “They are simply looking for someone they can count on, celebrate who they are and support their aspirations. Sharing my life experiences and listening to hers has helped us both experience personal growth.

“And I am having so much fun being a kid again.”

Big Brother: Manny Marrero, MsOT, OTR/L, MBA, clinical team, VNA of Cape Cod

Little Brother: Ronnie, 15

The power of mentorship: Paying it forward

When Manny was about 11 years old, he had a mentor who was like a big brother to him. Even though it was only for a year, Manny remembers the positive impact it had on him like it was yesterday. “I wanted to pay it forward and Big Brothers Big Sisters helped me make that a reality,” says Manny.

Since Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cape Cod & the Islands matched Manny with Ronnie in 2017, the experience has been transformative. “It’s enriched me personally and I have found fulfillment from forging a strong relationship with Ronnie and watching him grow and mature into a great student, athlete and young man.”

Since their match, some of their most memorable moments together have included meeting Tom Brady, digging into the Cape’s best diners and breakfast spots, playing basketball, bike riding and going to sporting events.

“I remember when he first beat me in a one-on-one game of basketball,” says Manny, who meets with Ronnie about once a month. “I’m pretty sure he can now beat me in most sports, including mini-golf. But it’s really about spending time together and competing in something we both enjoy.”

Volunteering as a mentor has enriched Manny’s personal growth in empathy and communication, expanded his perspectives, and enhanced his leadership and mentoring skills. The experience has also connected him with supportive, like-minded people who’ve become like family, including the staff and leadership at BBBS, and Ronnie’s mother, Danielle. “It truly takes a village.”

What would Manny say to someone considering becoming a Big Brother Big Sister? “You’ll make a profound influence on a young person’s life, gain fulfillment and form lifelong connections. It’s truly a wonderful program.”

Big Sister: Judy Kostka, RN, MS, MBA, OCN, clinical nurse, radiation oncology at Cape Cod Hospital and Falmouth Hospital

Little Sister: Madelyn, 13

Hibachi birthday lunches and ‘Sisterversary’ jam-making tradition

As a Big Sister to Madelyn for the past six years, Judy Kostka looks forward to their annual traditions of eating lunch at a local hibachi restaurant for Madelyn’s birthday and participating in a jam-making class for their “Sisterversary.”

Judy says they love to cook together, and she’s enjoyed watching Madelyn go from needing instruction and assistance to being creative and independent in the kitchen. “Maddie teaches me, too,” says Judy. “She showed me how to ride a horse and she knows a lot more about makeup than I do!”

As an empty-nester, Judy says she missed having her children around and she knew there were many kids on the Cape in need of mentors. Judy wanted to help her local community and one day came across Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cape Cod & the Islands. She researched the organization and decided it was a good fit.

Big Brothers Big Sisters connected Judy with Madelyn, who was 7 at the time. Initially, they met every other week for two to three hours. But as their relationship matured, they changed to meeting once a month. Over the years, Judy and Little Maddie have participated in a range of fun activities together, such as horseback riding, hiking, and biking and traveling to Boston to see Blue Man Group. The pair have also enjoyed BBBS-sponsored free activities, including Gardens Aglow Christmas, a Red Sox game, fishing, sailing and pottery classes.

“The best part about having a big sister is looking up to them and having someone to talk to, but also to have fun,” says Maddie. “I've learned to be respectful of others and make wise decisions.” 

The key to being a good mentor, says Judy, is simply being present. “Although we certainly have fun, the most important part about being a Big is being someone your Little can depend on. Many kids don’t have that, and you can make a difference just by being their friend.”

Big Brother: Jonathan “JT” Thompson, operating room assistant, Cape Cod Hospital

Little Brother: James, 9

Steering young minds in the right direction

We spend so much time on social media, says JT Thompson, when that time can actually be filled with making a difference in our community.

“If I can spare an hour or two a week, it can be life-changing for a little boy or little girl—and for myself,” says JT. “I have learned kids can be easily influenced, and without any guidance, they can be steered in so many wrong directions.” 

As Big Brother to James since November of 2023, JT volunteers as a mentor in the lunch buddy program, which entails visiting his Little every week for lunch and recess during the school year. “We talked about how his days are going, his grades, friends and how to treat people,” says JT, adding he will play tag or push James on the swing at recess.

The Lunch Buddies program opens up a new avenue and opportunity to serve kids, according to JR Mell, Regional Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cape Cod and the Islands.

“It helps us to recruit a different demographic of volunteers who might not be able to commit to our traditional community-based mentoring program,” says Mell. As a lunch buddy, Bigs spend about 45 minutes once a week with their Littles during lunch and recess blocks. BBBS has partnered with local elementary schools, including Marguerite E. Small in Yarmouth, Hyannis West, Bournedale and Hedge and Cold Spring in Plymouth.

JT says being a Big Brother has given him a new perspective on life. “I’ve always worked with kids in different ways since I have lived on the Cape,” says JT. “But being a Big Brother has taught me how important life is. I’ve learned more patience and how time is so valuable. We all have to work together. As I always say in my daily social media and YouTube videos (@JTChronicles), one love, one family, one community—this is what it’s all about!”