By Eileen Moon
Nick Boscia was thinking about doing some volunteer work a few years ago when a friend suggested he look into Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Monmouth and Middlesex Counties.
Nick Boscia of Matawan became a Big Brother to Aidan through the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Monmouth and Middlesex Counties program.
Photo courtesy BBBS
The nonprofit organization matches children and teens with men and women who are willing to spend a few hours a month acting as a friend and role model to a child of the same gender.
Then in his mid-20s, Boscia had worked hard in school and achieved his goal of becoming an accountant. Now, he thought, it was time to give something back.
What he couldn’t know at the time was just how life-changing his experience as a Big Brother would be.
“The rewards, intrinsically, are so much greater than I thought,” said Boscia, of Matawan. “It makes me feel good that I make such a big difference,” he said.
After completing a thorough screening process that includes interviews, background checks, finger-printing and training sessions, Boscia was matched with his Little Brother Aidan whose mother had contacted BBBS seeking a Big Brother for her son.
“Aidan’s father doesn’t have a relationship with him, unfortunately,” said Aidan’s mother, Christine, a single parent with a full-time job and two younger daughters at home.
“I thought it was very important for him to have a male role model. I have to tell you that it was one of the best decisions I ever made for my son.”
The organization is chronically in need of male volunteers, said Sharon Orefice, BBBS executive director. Right now, there are about 50 boys and 15 girls waiting to be matched with a Big Brother or Sister. “Women tend to volunteer more often,” she said. “There are always more boys on the waiting list than girls.”
Big Brothers and Sisters are asked to spend two to four hours every other week with their Little Brothers or Sisters and commit to the relationship for at least a year, Orefice said. Often, though, the relationships that form between Bigs and Littles are long-term.
Boscia was 26 when he
and Aidan, then 12, were
matched. He’s now 30 and
Aidan is 15.
Photo courtesy BBBS
“I plan to do this until he’s 18,” Boscia said.
Eighteen is the cutoff age for the program, but many Bigs and Littles become lifelong friends, Orefice said, and many Littles who’ve learned the value of the program firsthand come back to volunteer as Bigs themselves.
“It’s very important, because before Nick and I were matched, I needed to talk to someone about guy stuff and I didn’t have anyone to talk to,” Aidan said. “Being able to talk to him about that is a huge relief.”
And when he needs some guidance about school or a decision he needs to make, Boscia is there to listen and advise. “It’s always good advice,” Aidan says.
The agency works hard to match Bigs and Littles with shared interests, and both Aidan and Boscia have a lot in common.
“We’re both very active,” Aidan said. “We go on hikes a lot. We both love nature. We skateboard. He’s more than just my big brother. He’s one of my best friends.”
The two have enjoyed some high-energy outings that include bouncing around at a trampoline park, fishing, basketball and, recently, attending the Halloween Fright Fest at Six Flags Great Adventure.
“We do all kinds of stuff together,” Boscia said. But having some down time together is fine, too. “We could hang out all day and never stop talking.”
Having a male role model that her son can count on has made a profound difference, Christine said. “He keeps every promise he’s made to my son. That’s really important for a young boy, to see that men do keep their promises. We can’t say enough good things about Nick. I’m so grateful to the Big Brothers program.”
“I feel like I’m part of the family,” said Boscia. “Aidan is like my little brother, not my son. Now that he’s in high school, we can relate on a lot of levels.”
Being a Big doesn’t require a big investment, Orefice points out. There are plenty of free or low-cost activities that Bigs and Littles can enjoy together, and no special skills are needed. Adults willing to volunteer their time are eligible to be Bigs, and the agency has volunteers from their 20s to their 70s. “The impact they have on these kids is immeasurable,” Orefice said.
To learn more about becoming a Big Brother or Sister, visit the BBBS at bbbsmmc.org or call 732- 544-2224.
