LAWRENCE COUNTY Big Brothers Big Sisters is looking for big hearts

The program has a waiting list of about 30 youngsters.
By LAURE CIOFFI
VINDICATOR NEW CASTLE BUREAU
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- The past year has probably been one of the most rewarding for Bill DeJoseph.
The 30-year-old New Beaver Borough man started volunteering at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lawrence County and was matched up with a 13-year-old boy in January. The two spend time together each week going out to eat, watching movies or doing other activities.
"We've developed a relationship and a friendship. We enjoy spending time together and hopefully I am a positive influence on him in some way," said DeJoseph, who is a special education aide in the Ellwood City School District.
0He sought out the program after watching his college roommate participate.
United Way funds
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lawrence County is one of 19 agencies supported by the Lawrence County United Way. This year's fund drive has met about 28 percent of its $630,000 goal.
Big Brothers Big Sisters relies on the United Way and its own fund-raising efforts to finance the program that has served more than 230 children ages 6 to 15 over the last 10 years, said Suzie Mrozek, program director.
She said they have about 35 to 40 matches right now and have about 30 youngsters on a waiting list. Most of those waiting are males.
Mrozek said they are always looking for volunteers.
"The main goal is being that extra person in the child's life to make them feel safe and special," she said. "This is like an extra support for the parents."
Children's backgrounds
Mrozek said most children come from single-parent homes. But some have both parents and need the extra support because one parent isn't available because of work or health problems.
Big Brothers Big Sisters asks that volunteers initially spend a minimum of three hours each week with a child, and the program offers support to make sure the matches are working.
Dave Copper, director of Cray Youth & amp; Family Services, the agency that oversees Big Brothers Big Sisters in Lawrence County, decided to become a big brother about a year ago.
"I got into it because I love working with kids. I found as an administrator, I didn't have much contact with the kids anymore. My own kids are grown. I had the time to do it," he said.
Copper said he spends a lot of time golfing with his little brother, who expressed an interest in the sport on his application.
Mrozek said they try to match the interests of the volunteer with the interests of the youngster.
DeJoseph said he tries to do things his little brother suggests, but also attempts to open him up to new experiences. Last summer he taught him how to fish and they both enjoyed it, he said.
DeJoseph said he believes the companionship is the most important part of the match.
"I came from a single- parent family. I was raised by my mother. I never had a male figure. I know how it was not to have anybody there, never have a guy around," he added.
cioffi@vindy.com