Commack Man Trades Law Career For Volunteer Work Fighting Hunger

COMMACK, NY — After decades spent building and leading a Manhattan law firm, Commack resident Paul Gruvman has traded his legal career for full-time service as a volunteer coordinator at Long Island Cares, finding a renewed sense of purpose in helping others.

Gruvman spent more than 30 years as an attorney, including six years in public service as an Assistant District Attorney in Brooklyn before transitioning to a career as a trial attorney in insurance defense. He later founded his own law firm in Manhattan, commuting roughly two hours each way for years.

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Over time, the daily grind began to take a toll, especially after changing work conditions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

After negotiating a buyout from his firm, Gruvman explored other paths, including real estate, but quickly realized he was searching for something more meaningful to him.

After leaving his law firm due to burnout and a lack of fulfillment, he began volunteering at local food banks. Over time, Gruvman increased his commitment, volunteering up to four days a week and taking on informal leadership roles.

He guided new volunteers, led warehouse tours, and worked closely with corporate groups, helping them understand the impact of their efforts.

"I've always been drawn to work that brings people together to help others," Gruvman said. "Recently, volunteering has been a constant part of my life; it keeps me connected to my community and reminds me of what truly matters. When I first volunteered at food banks, I saw how much dignity and relief a single act of service can provide."

One day, a supervisor approached him with an opportunity to turn his volunteer work into a full-time role.

“They just looked at me and said, ‘Have you ever thought about getting paid for this and coming on full time?’” Gruvman recalled.

Gruvman stepped into the role of Volunteer Coordinator in early January. In his current role, he oversees volunteer operations across Long Island, managing scheduling, coordinating shifts, leading orientations and working directly alongside volunteers in the warehouse.

"Long Island Cares caught my attention because it combines compassion and purpose so effectively," he said. "Harry Chapin's legacy, the mission, the people—all reflect a belief I strongly share that no one in our community should go hungry, and we all have a role in making that happen."

While Gruvman said the work is fufilling, it comes with its challenges and the need for assistance is constant. Food insecurity is an ongoing issue affecting hundreds of thousands of Long Islanders.

"The need is always there," he said. "People will always need assistance.”

According to Long Island Cares, more than 300,000 individuals on Long Island experience food insecurity, including tens of thousands of children. The issue, Gruvman said, often carries misconceptions that can prevent people from fully understanding its impact.

“You don’t know what the circumstances of that individual or family are,” Gruvman said. “I just wish people could take a step back and show a little more empathy.”

As April marks National Volunteer Month, Gruvman said he hopes he can encourage others to get involved, even in small ways.

“If we lost half our volunteers, I don’t know if we could keep the doors open,” he said. “It’s really difficult to underestimate the impact that volunteers have. Volunteers are the heart of what we do. Our mission is big, and volunteers make it possible to reach as many people as we do."