Children who participated in the YMCA’s after-school programs will be eligible for a Big Brothers Big Sisters “match.” Matches of youth and adult mentors will meet for one hour per week and ideally utilize the equipment and programs at the YMCA branches.

“We are thrilled at the opportunity to partner with such a wonderful organization,” said Paula Hayes, director of Big Brothers Big Sisters, in a news release. “Not only will we be able to provide more children with a big brother or sister, this partnership also provides volunteers throughout the county with additional opportunities to get involved and make a difference.”

I featured one Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteer on this blog a few months ago. Read about Jessica Crossman’s experience with the program and learn how you can get involved.

The dinner will recognize a successful “little-big” match. It will also honor major corporate sponsors, including Highmark, Erie Insurance, Scott Enterprises and National Fuel.

The event will also launch the “Refer-a-Big” campaign. Though there are 160 matches in Erie County, nearly 120 children remain on wait lists to enter the program.

The dinner will be held at the Masonic Temple, 32 W. EighthSt., at 6 p.m. The awards ceremony begins at 7 p.m.

Details of the trip–a new group of baby calves, Robinson’s first raw milk experience–emerged.

“It was gross,” Robinson said of the raw milk. “It tasted all creamy.”

“She was so out of her element. It was funny,” said Crossman.

And there have been other trips, too. Robinson’s favorite was a day at Splash Lagoon spent mainly in the wave pool. The two also attend church picnics, spend afternoons at Crossman’s parents’ house in Edinboro and bake cookies together.

Their relationship, which started on Jan. 20 through Big Brothers Big Sisters, a program run by Family Services of NW PA, has blossomed into a deep friendship in just six short months.

“It’s not a chore to hang out with Araja,” said Crossman. “We have a good time. I eat more ice cream than I would otherwise.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters matches adults with youth ages six through 18, in hopes the relationship will have a positive impact on the child’s development.

Crossman, who currently works at Family Services of NW PA and previously held a role working with Big Brothers Big Sisters, said she was inspired to get involved by the enthusiasm of the “littles.”

Volunteers spend time with their “littles” at least once or twice a month. Volunteers, who must be at least 19 years old, commit to a minimum of a year with the program.

Crossman and Robinson see each other once a week and sometimes, multiple times a week.

“Initially I was concerned about the time commitment,” said Crossman. “The time commitment is still the hardest thing. I don’t have a hard time spending time with Araja.”

Because Robinson is older than a lot of youth in the program, Crossman said they often just “hang out” and attend family events or go to the YMCA.

For Robinson, the hanging out time is much-needed one-on-one time with a role model.

“With my mom, because she has four kids, she can’t just give her attention to one of them. Jess is here to replace that, so it’s fun,” said Robinson.

Robinson said her mother advocated for her to get a “big” because she wanted one when she was a child.

“She said I’m lucky to have one and I’m lucky to have Jess,” said Robinson.

Since their relationship began, Crossman has noticed significant improvements in the way Robinson reacts to other people.

“You fight less,” Crossman said to Robinson.

“Yeah, a little bit. And I’m starting to open up more,” Robinson replied.

“I would agree with that. You express yourself really well, you always have, but you’ve been able to do that with less hostility. I suspect you’ll have fewer problems in school this year because you’re able to express yourself without getting mad,” said Crossman.

Robinson’s mother has also noticed an improvement in her daughter’s grades since she started spending time with Crossman, said Erik Perrino, a marketing and public relations consultant at Family Services of NW PA.

“This program inspires a lot these kinds of bonds, but it’s only been six months,” said Perrino. “They bonded at day one.”

Perrino credits Grossman’s regular involvement in Robinson’s life with their success, but Crossman maintains that it was just a good match.

“They had Araja in mind for me,” Crossman said.

Robinson also said the match was a perfect one.

“When I first met her, I wasn’t sure I wanted a ‘big’ yet,” said Robinson. “But once it started, I loved it.”

——

How you can get involved:

About 100 boys and 20 girls are currently on Family Services of NW PA’s waitlist to receive “bigs” in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.

Learn more about the program at www.fsnwpa.org/bbbs.php.

Correction: A previous version of this post identified Jessica Crossman as Jessica Grossman.

The salons have been selling 50/50 raffle tickets in anticipation of the “FUNdraising” event on Independence Day.

The event, located at Shear Delight Salon and Day Spa at 4348 Iroquois Avenue in Lawrence Park, will get started on Wednesday at 4 p.m. Featured activities include face-painting, eyebrow waxing, hair feathers, clowns and music.

Throughout the party, raffle tickets, cookbooks and refreshments will be sold. All proceeds go to Big Brothers Big Sisters, a program of Family Services of NW PA, and ChildHelp, a national help hotline for youth.

“We believe in family and providing a supportive environment for children,” said Pam Turner, owner of Shear Delight Salon and Day Spa, in a news release.

Like any good Fourth of July event, the party will culminate with fireworks.

 Correction: A previous version of this story indicated that there were 21 Lawrence Park beauty salons participating. In fact, it was 21 Eufora salons.

The local chapter, run by Family Services of Northwest Pennsylvania, is looking for volunteers over the age of 18 to mentor local youth.

Oftentimes, the participating youth come from single parent homes. The goal of the mentor relationship is to establish a positive role model in their lives.

Family Services asks the potential big brothers and sisters commit to a year of volunteering. Volunteers are asked to spend four to six hours with their “little” each month.

To volunteer, you must be a resident of Erie County and have a valid driver’s license. Volunteers must complete an application and training process.

To find out more, visit Family Services’ website.

Photo courtesy of Family Services of Northwest Pennsylvania