Writer / Laurie Quinn
January is National Mentoring Month and in Fishers, this is a great month to pay homage to our own youth mentoring program called the Youth Mentoring Initiative, or YMI. YMI has over 7,300 hours of mentoring in schools since the Fall of 2008. By 2020, YMI wants to provide mentoring to 600 HSE students in grades five – 12. In honor of National Mentoring Month, let’s meet YMI’s longest running mentor – Shellie Law.
Law has been a mentor for more than six years. Deciding on becoming a mentor was an easy choice for her. She had been searching for an avenue to reach out and make a difference in her community. Law recalls thinking YMI seemed like a great opportunity to reach youth in a structured setting. On the flip side, Law says she feels rewarded. “It gives me a chance to be around young adults who need me,” she said. “It makes me feel connected like I can make a difference in today’s world!”
She has actually made lifelong friendships because of being a mentor. She maintains a friendship with one of her first mentees. “It is rewarding to have watched her grow into the person she is today,” Law expressed.
Law is employed by Crown Moving and Storage located in Castleton and has been an employee for 13 years. They have shown their support of Law’s decision to be a mentor by allowing her to time off during the work day to fulfill her one hour per week commitment to YMI.
“These kids we meet with are the future adults for our community,” said Law. “If they don’t have a positive role model to turn to, what kind of adults will they turn out to be?”
For more information on YMI, visit ymionline.org or call 317-370-9070. You too make a difference and New Year’s Resolution at the same time!
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