April is National Volunteer Month, so all month long, KNX News recognizes fantastic, dedicated volunteers who are making a big impact in Southern California.
This week's exceptional SoCal resident is Josh Carranco of Irvine. He's a husband, a dog dad, a tax CPA, and the co-owner of a gym. He's also a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County.
"I think being a Big Brother just means being a positive role model for a young person who could use extra support," Carranco told Heroes Host Heather Jordan. "Showing up for a few hours a month to share experiences, listen, and encourage."
Carranco is mentoring an extraordinary 14-year-old named Brian and says that while it is meaningful and rewarding work, it does not have to be complicated.
"Our first outing was just breakfast and soccer in the park, and he had a great time," Carranco said. "You know, it was nothing extravagant, but I think it was just all about building trust and creating meaningful moments with each other."
Over the two to three years the duo has been hanging out, their families have blended a bit. "Brian has now started coming to some family events; I've been going to some of his," Carranco said. "I truly do see him as like my little brother."
According to Brian's mom, Brian calls Carranco his superhero, which makes him emotional.
"In my eyes, I see Brian as the superhero," Carranco said. "His resiliency, his love and kindness that still fills his heart regardless of the things that he's gone through, that's like a superhero to me. It was just emotional to hear that he felt something like that for me as well."
Carranco was a finalist for the Big Brothers Big Sisters 2025 Mentors of the Year, and now he's our KNX Hero of the Week!
Interested in becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister? Click HERE.
Check out all our KNX Heroes here.
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