Canonsburg woman honored as Big Sister of the Year
Erica Jurkowski enjoys volunteering, but most of her efforts have been one-off occurrences.
The Canonsburg woman was looking for a long-term experience, and found it in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh.
“I really wanted to invest myself in something where I could have more of a recurring impact,” Jurkowski said. “After doing some research, I really liked Big Brothers Big Sisters because it has that one-on-one matchup opportunity and a way to focus your time and attention on an individual child and really make a difference.”
For her efforts, Jurkowski has been chosen as a 2025 Big Sister of the Year.
“It’s really an honor,” Jurkowski said. “I know there are a lot of people that have been in the program who spend a lot of time with their littles who have many more years than me. To be recognized for it, it’s a nice bonus. I don’t think I really deserve any recognition. I think there are so many of us in the program doing the same thing I’m doing. It was definitely a surprise to be honored.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh was established in 1965 with the mission to create and support one-on-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.
Jurkowski has been paired with 14-year-old Ryleigh since 2023. (Big Brothers Big Sisters does not provide last names of the children with whom they match with mentors.) The two quickly developed a special bond.
Jurkowski thought she would be matched with a very young child. However, after an extensive interview process, she was paired with Ryleigh.
“I read her profile and it mentioned that she was into art, and there were all of these things about her that I thought I really could connect with,” Jurkowski said. “I thought about her being a preteen and how significant that time is in a young girl’s life, and I thought I could be someone to support her through that and be a positive influence in her life.”
Marc Bloomingdale, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh, said there is a very important quality that is considered when awarding the Big of the Year.
“First and foremost, it’s just showing up,” he said. “But beyond that, Erica really has established a connection in a short amount of time with Ryleigh. They’ve just connected over so much and have shown so much impact over those two years that the effect was just palpable.
“Ryleigh talks very, very highly of her, as does Erica about Ryleigh. It just seemed to be a natural fit.”
The pair have shared a variety of experiences, such as working on crafts, shopping, going to movies, and dining out.
Jurkowski said she is impressed with the young woman that Ryleigh is becoming.
“Every time we go out, she’s always complimenting everyone around her,” Jurkowski said. “I don’t spend more than a half an hour with her in public where she hasn’t found a complete stranger to compliment.”
Jurkowski admitted that the experience has been a chance for her to learn as well.
“It’s been so fun to kind of see the world through her,” Jurkowski said. “I’ve really enjoyed that part of the relationship. Just getting to see how she views things is pretty neat. I look forward to hanging out with her because being her age she’s kind of like a buddy. She looks to me to hang out with, but I feel the same way about her.”
Jurkowski and Ryleigh, along with the Big Brother of the Year and his little, will be honored throughout the year. The four will throw out the first pitch at the Washington Wild Things game on July 11.
To see a match going as well as the relationship between Erica and Ryleigh is quite satisfying.
Bloomingdale said the organization could use more “bigs” to accommodate the 400 youngsters awaiting mentors.
“Some people say, ‘I don’t know how to be a mentor,'” Bloomingdale said. “Don’t worry about that. We will mentor you on how to mentor these kids. We’re a teaching and mentoring organization, so just show up and we will walk you through it to make a generational impact for kids.”
Anyone interested in becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister can go to www.bbbspgh.org.