BEDFORD, N.Y. - When Anoop Kumar started volunteering for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Westchester Putnam four years ago, he had a pretty good idea of what being a mentor involved.
And that was the ability and desire to become a “Big,” aka trusted confidant, supportive friend, and a source of guidance to young people facing adversity.
With two kids in college and a well-established career in the financial industry, the Bedford resident finally had enough personal space and time to do just that.
When the pandemic hit, Kumar knew that kids would be “having a tough time,” so he contacted BBBSWP, a nonprofit based in Port Chester.
What he didn’t expect were the ways in which making that connection would also enrich his own life.
Kumar was matched up with his “Little,” Gio, a bright and curious 14-year-old boy from White Plains who loved computer games, history, and talking about what’s going on in the world.
With few positive role models in his life other than his mother, Gio was acting out at school and appeared to be heading down a risky path.
(It was mom who reached out for help. Gio was skeptical at first but eventually agreed to participate in the program.)
Kumar and Gio started out by walking around the neighborhood and chatting once a week. They wound up hitting Dunkin Donuts, playing tennis, having lunch, and basically just hanging out and getting to know one another.
They enjoyed talking politics, even if they sometimes disagreed.
Kumar worked with Gio by building his confidence and teaching him life skills such as public speaking.
Knowing that the teen had an interest in the law, the investment manager eventually took him to his office and introduced him to a couple of his firm’s attorneys.
That was just to give him the chance to experience -- and get comfortable with -- situations he might face in later life, Kumar explains.
Gio is now 18 and about to head off to Syracuse University where he hopes to study civil law.
Over the years, he grew close to his mentor’s family.
“My daughter adores him; she thinks he’s great,” said Kumar, who plans to keep in touch while Gio is in college.
As for Kumar, he feels “lucky” to have known Gio, is beyond grateful for the experience, and has learned a lot from his “Little.”
“He’s an amazing kid and he deserves the good things in life,” said Kumar, brushing off any praise for himself by insisting: “I’m just part of it, the largest portion is him.”
Thinking about the old adage about roots and wings, he’s philosophical about no longer being in the picture at some point even though he’s willing to stay pals as long as Gio wants.
“He’s an adult now; his needs may change,” Kumar said, adding that his biggest wish for his “Little” is that he reaches his potential and gets the chance to “explore the world.”
In other words, to “just be normal.”
Gio, for his part, said he feels like he has a “friend for life.”
“When I age out of this program I still think we’re going to be meeting every week and talking to each other. I think that’s something we’re going to be doing forever, honestly,” he said after he and Kumar were named the BBBSWP “Match of the Year” in 2024.
In May, Kumar was chosen as a “Big Deal” honoree.
The initiative was launched in January and highlights one outstanding volunteer from Westchester County each month.
It’s hoped, the organization said, that sharing the stories of “Bigs” and “Littles” will inspire others to get involved.
Kumar knows what it’s like to struggle.
Born in India, “a poor country,” he’s been fortunate to build a good life for himself and his family.
Kumar is confident that Gio can prevail too, despite all the things with which he’s had to deal.
“It’s a game of odds and I wish there was more even footing for all kids,” he said, adding: “We need to do better.”
For More Information
For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Westchester & Putnam or to apply to become a “Big” or enroll a child as a “Little”, visit www.bigswestchester.org or call (914) 937-3779.
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