BIG BROTHER GEOFF RUMBLE HAD A MENTOR WHEN HE WAS GROWING UP

Now It's His Turn To Be A Friend To A Youngster

Submitted by Charles Bennett

 

Geoff Rumble never reads the Lifestyle section of the Sunday Republican.  But one Sunday in January 2002, he decided to leaf through that section which features social news, advice columns and lists volunteer opportunities.  He came across a small article and photo in a monthly series called, “Could You Be My Mentor” highlighting an eight-year-old youngster on the Big Brothers Big Sisters waiting list whom he recognized.

The Springfield boy, Ryan, is the son of Rumble’s deceased college roommate and fellow correctional officer, Rick Otis.  Rick passed away in 1999.  Geoff hadn’t seen Ryan or his family for quite some time.

Geoff, 44, said, “I had believed in mentoring all my life.  I was raised by a single parent and I had a mentor when I was growing up. I decided that I wanted to be a Big Brother to Ryan through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.  I felt that seeing that newspaper piece, which I never look at normally, was a sign from Rick that I should help Ryan. And I’m glad I did.”

Geoff and Ryan were matched on April 18, 2002 and that was the beginning of a solid friendship.  Sports activities are high on their list of mutual interests, although they don’t root for the same teams.  Ryan loves the Miami Dolphins football team while Geoff is a New York Giants fan.  They both enjoy basketball and Geoff watches Ryan play in the Springfield Parks and Recreation League games.

Geoff, a criminal justice graduate of Westfield State College was a Connecticut correctional officer until his retirement.  He is now a behavioral specialist at the Pace Alternative School in West Springfield and enjoys working with children.  He has two children of his own and was recently married to Sandy.

Both Geoff and Ryan have benefited tremendously from their relationship.  For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters or to register, call 781-4730 or visit online at www.bigbrothers-sisters.org.