Meet 2025 GAAR Good Neighbor Jeff Gorum

For Jeff Gorum, volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Mexico means investing in the next generation in more ways than one. While his greatest commitment is serving as a one-on-one mentor, he also supports the organization's community events, partnerships, and outreach efforts that benefit children and families throughout New Mexico.

As a volunteer mentor—or "Big"—Jeff is matched with a young person, known as a "Little," through Big Brothers Big Sisters' community-based mentoring program. The program pairs adult mentors with children ages 6 to 18, many of whom face challenges such as growing up in single-parent households or other circumstances that place them at greater risk. The goal is simple but powerful: provide encouragement, guidance, and a positive role model who helps them build confidence and reach their full potential.

For Jeff, mentoring is about helping his Little navigate life while creating opportunities to learn, grow, and simply enjoy spending time together. The hope is that those consistent moments of support continue through high school graduation and beyond, helping young people become confident, successful adults.

The experience has changed Jeff just as much as it has impacted his Little.

"I've been profoundly affected by my time with my Little," Jeff says. "Our relationship forces me to be a better person as well. It's always in the back of my mind that anything he sees me do, he will model after and take into his daily life. So, it is my responsibility to provide a good example."

That commitment extends beyond their one-on-one outings. Jeff and his Little regularly participate in community events organized by Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Mexico.

Jeff has also found ways to expand his impact by engaging his employer, Pop-A-Lock, in the organization's mission. Through the company, he has participated in a career fair at South Valley Academy and helped sponsor Big Brothers Big Sisters' annual Halloween Spooktacular, creating additional opportunities to support the children and families the organization serves. Jeff believes meaningful change begins by investing in young people.

"I have always believed that youth are our future," he says. " They hold the power for true change in any lifetime, they just need the proper guidance, self-esteem and resources to enact that change."

As a 2025 GAAR Good Neighbor recipient, Jeff is being recognized for his dedication to mentoring youth and his commitment to creating opportunities that help children build brighter futures. Through his one-on-one relationship with his Little and his ongoing support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Mexico, Jeff demonstrates how lasting change begins with investing in a single child—and grows through a community committed to helping young people succeed.