“As Chairman and founding board member, it’s been a privilege to watch our agency evolve over decades into one of the nation’s premier mentoring organizations. My own commitment to philanthropy began with my father, who first introduced our family to Big Brothers Big Sisters. Across generations, we have seen firsthand that supporting young people is one of the greatest returns on investment a community can make. This national Agency of the Year recognition is not only a celebration of what we have accomplished since our founding—it is a testament to the enduring impact of mentoring and the legacy we are creating for generations to come.”

Les Quick
Founder, Simon Quick Advisors
Board Chair, BBBS of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties

“This agency has long shown what becomes possible when a community truly invests in its young people. Through innovative efforts like their Global Leadership Program, expanded mental-health and wellness supports, and a steadfast commitment to creating real pathways to opportunity, they are breaking down the barriers that too often limit achievement and social mobility. Their work builds trust, forges connections across differences, and ensures that more young people have access to the relationships and resources they need to thrive. This ‘Agency of the Year’ honor is a testament to the extraordinary leadership, vision, and community impact that Carlos and his team continue to deliver—not only in New Jersey, but as a model for our nation.”

Sen. Cory Booker
U.S. Senator, New Jersey

“In my 50 years involved in education and mentoring, no program has impacted youth and families like Big Brother Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson and Union counties. Their professional staff led by Carlos Lejnieks guides families and students from often desperate situations and transforms them with care and compassion. I have personally witnessed this due to the many referrals I have made in my roles as a teacher and Supervisor. I can say with confidence that without the intervention from Big Brothers Big Sisters, these families and students would not have been able to achieve a productive and successful life. Their monitoring and follow up with every individual child is their key to success. I am proud of my affiliation with this organization and wholeheartedly congratulate them on this prestigious award.”

Mr. Perry Cecchini, MA, SSW
Job Placement Supervisor, Hudson County Schools of Technology

“As a board member, I am incredibly proud of our Agency of the Year recognition, but what stands out most is the impact I’ve seen firsthand. As the leader of a company with over 6,000 employees that partnered with BBBS, I witnessed how the agency’s mentoring programs strengthened our workplace culture while making a lasting difference in the lives of young people in our community. Still going strong, the partnership has endured because of the agency’s exceptional ability to inspire volunteers, support youth, and create meaningful change. This award is a well-deserved recognition of that lasting impact.”

Ron DeCicco
CEO (ret.), Pershing, a BNY Company
Trustee, BBBS of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties

“At twelve, growing up without a father, I was introduced to my Big Brother, Ron Neblett. Ron stood in the gap for me. He walked beside me, championed me, and told me I could be anything—and I believed him. That relationship transformed my life. Carlos has spent his career making that same transformation possible for scores of young people across New Jersey. I’ve long admired and respected his leadership—the way he connects kids not just to mentors, but to adults who love on them, walk beside them, and help them see the radical potential they already carry. This Agency of the Year award belongs to someone who has given his life to championing young people, the way Ron championed me.”

Ryan Haygood
President & CEO, Southern Poverty Law Center
Former Little Brother

“This award is a testament to the years of hard work, dedication, and long-term investment that Carlos and his team have made to ensure North Jersey kids are set up to succeed, no matter their present circumstances,” said Senator Andy Kim. “Too often, kids don’t have the resources they need to prepare for their future due to no fault of their own; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson and Union Counties bridges that gap, and their success shows what is possible when we support our kids at every level.”

Sen. Andy Kim
U.S. Senator, New Jersey

“Congratulations to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties on being recognized as the Agency of the Year. This well-deserved award celebrates an organization that has played a vital role in supporting the upward mobility and success of young people throughout the region. SUNY is proud to partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties to help mentor the next generation of leaders.”

John B. King Jr.
Chancellor, State University of New York
Former U.S. Secretary of Education

“Winning Agency of the Year is an extraordinary accomplishment, but as part of the BBBS family for nearly two decades, I can’t say it’s a surprise. Hard and thoughtful work by professionals and volunteers intensely devoted to helping others made this moment inevitable. Carlos leads a community driven to achieve, and to do so with efficiency, compassion, and love of others. The number of lives changed so much for the better is staggering.”

Cliff Kulwin
Rabbi Emeritus, Temple B’nai Abraham
Advisory Board Member, BBBS of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties

“Walk into Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties, NJ and the first thing that hits you is the positivity,” said Matt Lira, Executive Director of Invest America. “There is a sense of possibility in that building you can feel before anyone explains a single program. Carlos and his team have built a community where young people are surrounded by adults who show up for them week after week, and that consistency changes the trajectory of a life. It also changes what the next generation inherits. Mentorship compounds the way an investment does, and the positive returns run for decades. This Agency of the Year honor is well earned, and the team behind it deserves attention across the country.”

Matt Lira
Executive Director, Invest America

“Our Agency has diligently strived for continuous improvement. This initiative has provided our Littles with a first-class mentoring experience. This is reflected in one of our key metrics, ‘match retention’. Our twelve-month average retention rate demonstrates long and sustainable matches, which sets us apart from others. The Agency of the Year award is recognition of the disciplined approach and care we take every day in serving our Littles and communities.”

Ron Litchkowski
CEO (ret.), Mauser North America
Board Treasurer, BBBS of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties

“Every young person deserves to have caring adults in their corner who see their potential, believe in their future, and help open doors to opportunity. Big Brothers Big Sisters has demonstrated the extraordinary impact that strong, trusted relationships can have on young people and communities. Under Carlos’s leadership, the organization has continued to innovate and expand what mentorship can make possible—helping young people build confidence, develop leadership skills, and envision a future filled with opportunity. This recognition as ‘Agency of the Year’ is incredibly well deserved, and we are proud to celebrate Carlos and the entire team for their commitment to New Jersey’s young people.”

Barbara Martinez
CEO, New Jersey Children’s Foundation

“Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties has earned this national honor by helping young people build confidence, strengthen their mental well-being, and access opportunities that expand educational and economic mobility. I am especially impressed by their 91% retention rate for mentoring matches, as the longer the relationship, the greater the positive impact on youth in our communities. Their leadership extends beyond mentoring, bringing together schools, healthcare providers, businesses, law enforcement, and policymakers across New Jersey to remove barriers and ensure every child has the relationships and resources needed to reach their full potential.”

Sen. Angela McKnight
State Senator, New Jersey

“Every child deserves someone who believes in them, encourages them, and helps them see the possibilities for their future. I congratulate Carlos and his team for building a truly special program through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties, connecting young people with caring mentors who help them grow and reach their full potential. Their commitment to our communities reflects the best of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America’s mission, and this recognition celebrates the impact they have made on the lives of North Jersey’s youth.”

Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin
Chair, New Jersey Assembly Budget Committee

“Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties has earned this recognition. Agency of the Year reflects years of steady work: pairing young people with mentors who show up, building partnerships across Newark and the surrounding communities, and delivering results that hold up over time. We are proud to support their work and prouder still to see it recognized at the national level. Congratulations to Carlos and the entire team.”

Asahi Pompey
Global Head of Corporate Engagement, Goldman Sachs

“I’ve known Carlos for nearly 25 years and was one of the first to join him as he launched this Newark-based BBBS organization. Early on, I saw what he was building—a solid business plan, meaningful results, and a purpose-driven culture for staff and board alike. There are fewer things more important than investing in young people, and what Carlos and his team produce is an incredible return on that investment. Heartfelt congratulations on winning the national Agency of the Year.”

Rick Rieder
Chief Investment Officer, Global Fixed Income, BlackRock
Advisory Board Member, BBBS of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties

“As a social worker, educator, and someone whose own life was changed by my Big who refused to give up on me, I know the power of showing up. Big Brothers Big Sisters understands that transformation is built through consistency, not moments. Their remarkable 91% 12-month mentoring retention rate reflects what the evidence and my own journey has taught me: a young person’s future is often shaped by the adults who choose to stay. This award honors an organization whose greatest gift is not simply mentorship, but the enduring belief that every young person is worthy of someone who remains because they matter.”

Dr. Juan A. Rios
Associate Professor, Rutgers University–Newark
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Fellow
Former Little Brother

“For 18 years I’ve witnessed Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties as a trusted and credible force for educational advancement, mental wellness, and social mobility in our communities. This national recognition reflects an organization that understands young people thrive when they have caring mentors, strong support systems, and access to opportunities that empower them to overcome challenges, succeed in school, and build brighter futures. Very proud of Carlos and his team for showing the nation the strength that comes from our community.”

Sen. M. Teresa Ruiz
Majority Leader, New Jersey Senate

“This national recognition is backed by years of making a difference in the lives of youth in Essex, Hudson, and Union counties. Carlos and the team at BBBS not only bring their heart to the work but also a deep commitment to continuous improvement and innovation. Matching caring adults with youth open to guidance and support is an art and a science, and they have figured out the formula for building lasting relationships that make a difference.”

Khaatim Sherrer El
Executive Director, Clinton Hill Community Action

“This team of dedicated professionals exemplify the incredible work being done across our national network. Their commitment to quality mentoring relationships, measurable youth outcomes, community engagement, and innovative growth strategies has contributed to our national mentoring movement and created transformational opportunities for thousands of young people in New Jersey and its surrounding communities. We are proud to recognize this agency as our 2025 Agency of the Year and celebrate the extraordinary impact they continue to make each and every day.”

Artis Stevens
President & CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

“As a proud NHL partner of BBBS, it’s exciting to see them recognized as the national Agency of the Year. In professional sports, we know the power of mentorship, positive role models, resilience, commitment, and teamwork. Through creative and meaningful ways of raising awareness and funds, they are changing the lives of young people and bringing communities together for the shared purpose of creating opportunities that can change the course of a child’s life. We’re honored to support their mission and proud to be part of the lasting impact they’re making. This recognition is truly well deserved.”

Kate Whitman Annis
Executive Director, The Devils Youth Foundation