CARMEL – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Westchester-Putnam has begun the new year with its goal to increase membership in the Putnam area.
The non-profit’s mission is to help all youth achieve their full potential in school and in life.
Ann Ellsworth, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters said, “We do that by providing young people who face adversity with professionally supported one-to-one mentoring relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.”
The local chapter has been serving Westchester for more than 60 years and Ellsworth, who served as former director of the Putnam-Westchester Women’s Resource Center in Mahopac, said her group has begun enrolling Putnam children into the fold as well.
“I love Putnam. I love its people and this is a big win for me knowing that
we will be meeting the needs of Putnam children by matching them with amazing adults,” she said.
Rourke Barry of Carmel is only 14 years old, but the young man’s maturity and desire to help others far surpasses his age.
Barry recently organized a dance for 6th, 7th and 8th graders, with an entrance fee to bring an unwrapped toy, in conjunction with his Capstone Project – a requirement that assists students solve problems while assisting a not-for-profit.
Sixty-eight playthings were collected and delivered to the Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization in White Plains.
Rourke serves as a “little brother” in the not-for-profit.
“My Big Brother assisted me with social skills as well as how to improve my academics in school. He has been a gift in my life. I want people to know what a wonderful organization this is and that they are always looking for mentors and are accepting ‘littles.’ Rourke, by the way, hopes to become a physician.
Ellsworth described Rourke as an “amazing young man.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters creates relationships such as this that Ellsworth said, “produces relationships between adult mentors and youths.”
The organization is seeking adults 18 and older to be matched in the program. Ellsworth said volunteers are fully trained after going through background checks prior to being matched with a local youth.
Sixteen Putnam children are awaiting a Big Brother or Big Sister which Ellsworth said will allow them to “reach their full potential while having opportunities they normally would not have without their match.”
Ninety children within the two counties are currently on the Big Brothers Big Sisters waiting list.
Those interested in learning more about the organization or becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister are encouraged to contact Ellsworth at 914-305-6874. Inquiries may also be made online at
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