Sarah Roorda Named New Executive Director at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Atlantic & Cape May Counties

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Atlantic & Cape May Counties is pleased to announce Sarah Roorda as Executive Director.
Roorda is no stranger to the BBBS organization. She has served the agency in growing capacities for 11 years, most recently as Director of Programs. She completed her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Studies at Stockton University and her Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Walden University.
Roorda knew that she wanted to get involved in the nonprofit sector and was first introduced to the organization over 13 years ago when she signed up to be a Big Sister. She was matched with her Little Sister Ashley for seven years, and continued a friendship even after her Little Sister graduated out of the program.
“I love being able to make a difference every day, especially in the lives of children,” said Roorda. “Each day Big Brothers Big Sisters is changing a child’s perspective and enabling them to see the world in a more positive light.”
Roorda succeeds Beatrix Ellerbe Jerkins, who retired from her role at the agency in May 2016. Jerkins noted that she initially hired Roorda because she spoke about her goals of one day running the organization.
“We worked closely together for years and spent significant time to develop a transition plan to ensure smooth operations of the agency after her retirement,” said Roorda.
Roorda explained that BBBS is currently at capacity with serving about 200 youth in Atlantic and Cape May Counties.
“We would love to take on more kids,” said Roorda. “We have a waiting list of over 100 children waiting to be matched and mentors who are ready to volunteer, but we have to increase the agency’s funding in order to expand the staff to be able to handle those numbers.”
One of Roorda’s goals is to increase the agency’s funding in order to support more Big Brother and Big Sister matches. The cost to support one match for a year is about $1,400.
“This money enables our professionally trained staff to carefully supervise and support the match relationship,” Roorda explained. “Safety is our number one concern and so our staff works closely with the Big Brother or Big Sister, the Little Brother or Little Sister and their family to ensure the experience is positive and meaningful.”
The process of matching a Big to a Little starts when either a parent, volunteer or social worker asks about the program and requests an application. Big volunteers are mentors who also undergo an application process and an extensive background check. Roorda said that the BBBS staff then approves the Big and the Little and looks to see who will make a good match. The organization facilitates an introduction for the Big and the Little so they get to know each other. While the majority of the match’s time is spent one-on-one, the agency organizes group activities throughout the year for match participation.
Funding to support Big Brothers Big Sisters’ programs comes from agency fundraisers, the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and South Jersey, a few small grants and foundations, as well as corporate gifts and individual donations. The organization is currently in the midst of two major fundraisers, the Big Ticket to Ride Car Raffle and Over the Edge.
Over the Edge, taking place on Sept. 24, gives participants who have funds for the organization the opportunity to rappel 175 feet down the Sheraton Hotel in Atlantic City. The thrill-seeking event is being hosted by New Vistas Corp. and is limed to 90 rappelers. Visit overtheedgeac.org to support the organization by registering or donating to a participant.
The Big Ticket to Ride Car Raffle offers a chance to win one of six vehicle options for the price of a $100 ticket. The organization only sells 1965 tickets. The winning raffle is drawn on Oct. 9 at the Smithville Irish Festival. Visit bigticket2ride.org to learn more about purchasing a ticket.
BBBS is recognized as one of the most effective prevention-based mentoring programs in the United States.
“The outcomes are astounding,” noted Roorda. “Youth served by Big Brother Big Sisters are more likely than their peers to succeed in school, make safer behavioral choices and have stronger relationships.”