LAWRENCE COUNTY Pair offers big praise for mentoring agency

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lawrence County is in its 10th year.
By LAURE CIOFFI
VINDICATOR NEW CASTLE BUREAU
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Carrie Wilkerson wasn't sure she wanted to be part of the Lawrence County Big Brothers Big Sisters program when her mother first enrolled her at age 10.
"At first, when my mom told me I was getting a Big Sister, I just sat with her and said, 'This is not so cool,'" she said.
But after spending time with Big Sister, Jo Wilson, Carrie eventually had a change of heart. They have been paired up for the past seven years.
Both say they have benefited from the relationship.
"It went from spending time together as friends and trying to be a good influence on her as an adult to [now] she has become part of my family," Wilson said.
The two spend weekends together, do community service and are planning a trip to Europe this summer to mark Carrie's graduation from New Castle High School.
Carrie, an only child, says she feels like she has extended family with Wilson.
Carrie's mother, Sherri Crabener, said she also has found a good friend in her daughter's Big Sister.
"Jo helps her a lot. We had some hard times in school and she helped motivate Carrie," Crabener said. "She also helps me understand my daughter and the icky teenager phase of her life. Jo is a very good friend to both of us."
At seven years, Carrie and Wilson's pairing is among the longest matches Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lawrence County has produced. The organization is celebrating its 10th year this year, while nationally Big Brothers Big Sisters is 100 years old.
Waiting for a match
Lawrence County Big Brothers Big Sisters has 40 matches and about 30 youngsters ages 6 to 15 on a waiting list, said Suzanne Mrozek, program director for the Lawrence County chapter. They are always searching for volunteers of all ages.
"I think its a misconception that this is more for younger people. That's really not true. We have a man in his 70s, and it works out great. He has a wonderful match," she said.
The organization also started accepting high schoolers as mentors for younger children, and that has added about 10 matches to the organization. They have monthly programs at the New Castle Community YMCA for the younger volunteers to help them spend time with their youngsters, she said.
Time requirements
Big Brothers Big Sisters asks that volunteers initially spend a minimum of three hours each week with a child and offers support to make sure the matches are working.
That time can be spent watching a movie, playing sports, baking or just hanging out, Mrozek said. The time requirements change over time.
"For such a little investment of time, the statistics are unbelievable for what a mentor can do for a child," Mrozek said.
Studies done by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America contend that at-risk children who are part of its program are less likely to skip school and less likely to begin using illegal drugs and alcohol. They also are more confident and able to get along better with their families.
Wilson said she's also gotten a lot out the program as a Big Sister.
"Carrie has added to my life, and hopefully I added to her life," she said. "It's a program people should seriously consider being a part of because its beneficial to both parties. It's kind of like giving a gift and getting a gift. You feel good both ways."
cioffi@vindy.com