Friends join Matilda Cuomo at an event to promote her book and raise awareness for her mentoring program, Mentoring USA. Pictured are (from left to right) Bruce Baron, President of the New York State Court Officers Association Dennis Quirk, Matilda Cuomo, and Scott Baron. Forum Newsgroup Photo by Patricia Adams.
Walking in to meet Matilda Raffa Cuomo, one almost feels an obligation to be intimidated. Never mind the fact that husband Mario was one of the most well-received governors in the history of the state of New York and that their son Andrew is now at the helm in the same office. No. It’s not those familial ties to two political powerhouses that make the meeting so exciting.
It is instead, standing toe to toe with a woman who, despite being part of one of the most complex political landscapes in the United States, is recognized not for those associations, but who is known throughout the world for her charitable endeavors in mentoring endangered youth and helping women, children, families and the homeless.
There is no pretense at the end of the outstretched hand and the sincere welcoming smile that comes with an introduction to the former First Lady of New York. And no, standing before this woman whose marriage to just one man has lasted 58 years thus far, and who at 80 years old is still as brainy as she is beautiful, does not leave you intimidated—it leaves you enchanted. But more than anything else, it leaves you wanting and willing to help her in any way you can.
The Forum caught up with Mrs. Cuomo at the Law Office of well-known Howard Beach attorney Scott Baron when she visited Queens as part of a book signing program. Baron hosted the book signing at his offices as part of his own initiative to lead an anti-bullying and mentoring program in Queens. “I have chosen Queens to begin an anti-bullying-mentoring campaign since my roots are here,” Baron said. “Growing up I witnessed bullying and now having three kids of my own I am more sensitive to mentoring and to bullying. Matilda Raffa Cuomo is a true ambassador for the cause and I am honored to be part of her team.”
Baron was not alone in his praise. Dennis Quirk, President of the New York State Court Officers Association for 38 years is a long-time admirer. “What she represents to children and others in desperate need is the second chance they wouldn’t otherwise get. She is a beacon of light for those truly in need of help. Matilda Cuomo inspires through her personal perseverance and sacrifice,” Quirk said, “She is the greatest mentor one could ever look to.”
The push to promote the book is to generate awareness and support for the program Matilda Cuomo started 25 years ago. Establishing the New York State Mentoring Program in 1987, she introduced and developed the nation’s first state-wide, school based, one-to-one mentoring program. And when George Pataki took office in 1995 and eliminated the program, she established Mentoring USA to continue the goals of the New York State Mentoring program. Since then, the program has continued to grow with expansion both nationally and internationally, with global affiliates in Italy, Spain, Bulgaria and Latvia.
Mrs. Cuomo published her book of the personal stories of celebrated individuals whose lives were touched by a mentor as a mechanism to preserve interest and volunteerism and also to make as many people as possible aware of the marvelous benefits of mentoring.
“There is nothing quite as rewarding as knowing your experience and guidance has helped save a child from a world without education or someone from not having a roof over their head,” Matilda Cuomo says assuredly. “There is no side or political platform here. There is just the right thing to do.”
Mrs. Cuomo’s book, “The Person Who Changed My Life: Prominent Americans Recall Their Mentors,” was introduced and edited by Mrs. Cuomo with the foreword by Hillary Clinton, first published in June 1999 with the 2nd edition published in December 2002.
Seventy-eight contributors – including Joe Torre, Whoopi Goldberg, Colin Powell, Diane Sawyer, Tony Bennett, Laurence Fishburne, and Governor Mario Cuomo – write about the people who had a lasting influence in their lives. All proceeds from the book will be donated to Mentoring USA.
In speaking about those she has strived to help for all these years, the determination and the compassion are so evident in Matilda Cuomo you can almost reach out and touch them. “Children today are confronted with poverty, substance abuse, bullying, teenage pregnancy and childhood obesity. Many of them lack encouragement, support and the positive alternatives they need to be successful,” says Matilda Cuomo. “We must be the ones to care for all our children. They are our future.”
If you would like to learn more about Mentoring USA you can call 212.400.8294 or visit their website at www.mentoringusa.org.
By Patricia Adams
