Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts (BBBSEM) has named Rebecca Kerner as the Regional Manager of the South Coast and Brockton. In her role, she will recruit volunteers and youth to participate in BBBSEM programs, support existing mentoring matches, and maintain and build community partnerships for the agency’s South Coast region.

Kerner brings a history of working directly with youth and families. After graduating from Wheaton College in Norton with a degree in Anthropology, Kerner went on to serve in the AmeriCorps in Rhode Island where sh

e was introduced to various youth development nonprofits. She previously served as Youth Development Coordinator and DEI Trainer at Rhode Island for Community and Justice and most recently was in Development at New Urban Arts in Providence, which offers creative, afterschool learning opportunities for youth.

“Mentoring has an amazing impact on young people,” says Kerner. “Having a non-parental adult as a mentor in a young person’s life is so important. I’m excited to work at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts, a nonprofit that is critically thinking about how this work impacts youth and how we can reach as many families as possible. Right now, we have nearly 58 Littles waiting to be matched with a volunteer mentor on the South Coast. There is clearly a need. I’m looking forward to engaging more local businesses, schools, and community members to get involved in supporting our children. Mentoring works.”

In 2024, BBBSEM celebrates 75 years of service. The nonprofit partners with families to provide children with one-to-one relationships with caring adult mentors who help them reach their fullest potential.

Growing up in faculty housing on the Wheaton College campus with her mother as a cultural anthropologist, Kerner was exposed to many cultures and ideas from a young age. She was an active child, always running from sports to ballet. Her mother, who adopted her as a single parent, is one of her biggest mentors. She instilled in Kerner the importance of treating other people with kindness.

“One of my biggest things in cultural anthropology is suspending judgement and recognizing you have your own personal judgements and other people aren’t always the same,” says Kerner. “Being open to different

perspectives has been one of the most important things from my degree – not only to be able to listen but see and value different perspectives. The South Coast region is very different from Boston and other major cities. There are different identities and populations that need to be celebrated.”

With research and proven outcomes at its core, BBBSEM creates Big-Little matches based on shared interests, geography and personality and serves as a consistent resource for Bigs, Littles and their families. Since its inception, the largest Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliate in New England has created and served more than 25,000 matches.

“We know we have opportunities to expand our services in gateway cities, and I am confident that Rebecca will help us find the smartest ways to do just that,” says Mark O’Donnell, President and CEO of BBBSEM. “Rebecca grew up on the South Coast and has a great affinity for the communities we serve. Her passion to help youth and families will make an impact throughout the region.”

For more information about BBBSEM, to become a volunteer or to register your children, visit: www.emassbigs.org.