10
August 13, 2019
COMMUNITY
Current in Fishers
www.currentinfishers.com
YMI to conduct mayor’s breakfast By Renee Larr news@currentinfishers.com
YMI serves more than 290 students and their guardians at nine local schools. It has trained and mobilized more than 400 mentors but is still in need of volunteers. Youth Mentoring Initiative will conduct “We on-boarded more mentors this one the 2019 Annual Mayor’s FUNDRAISER Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. school year than we have the entire 10 years that we’ve been doing this,” Gatz Aug. 29 at The Historic said. “Even though those numbers Ambassador House & Heritage Garare pretty miraculous, we’re still in dens, 10598 Eller Rd. YMI provides a deficit as far as needing mentors. mentoring for students in Hamilton The minute we get a mentor onSoutheastern Schools by building and boarded, trained and matched, there sustaining a mentoring community. is another student that has been The breakfast is the fall fundraiser recommended for the program.” for the 2019-20 school year. Mentors meet with students once “The goal of the breakfast every Gatz a week for 35 to 45 minutes to disyear is to generate the funding neccuss anything the students want. essary to fund the program for the upcom“They’re meeting the student where they ing school year,” said Alison Gatz, executive are in life,” Gatz said. “At the end of the day, director. “That is still the primary focus, but a lot of the kids just want to talk to somewe also want to celebrate the outcomes, body who will listen to them.” the impact and the growth of the program Tickets are $25 per person. Sponsorthe previous year.” ships are still available. To purchase Mayor Scott Fadness will attend and distickets, visit eventbrite.com/e/fisherscuss his mental health initiative and how mayor-scott-fadness-breakfast-to-benefitYMI plays a role in assisting the community. “His role is to get people behind what it is ymi-tickets-57133294221. For sponsorship information, visit ymionline.org/events/ that we’re doing because this ties into his breakfast-sponsorship-2019/. bigger mental health initiative,” Gatz said.
A look at Shepherd’s Center Editor’s note: Current Publishing is partnering with the Hamilton County Executive Directors Group to run a guest column each month to showcase the work being done by area nonprofit organizations. Read more at youarecurrent.com. Commentary by Lauren Guynn A population shift is occurring in Hamilton County. We have thrived as a great place for youth and famiNONPROFIT lies to live. However, the number of seniors in Hamilton County will triple by 2030, surpassing younger generations (Indiana Association for Community and Economic Development 2013). While we boast a high quality of life for families, such does not apply to the aging population. Our community lacks a connection point for seniors to receive a comprehensive overview of the services that match their aging needs. People don’t know where to turn for help or what resources are available to them. Without Shepherd’s Center of Hamilton County, these obstacles would plague the older adults in our county. SCHC exists to promote and support
independent lifestyles for adults 55 and older. Our vision is to be known throughout Hamilton County as a trusted resource for connecting older adults with beneficial programs and resources to support their independence. SCHC ensures the aging population in Hamilton County has a great quality second-half of life. SCHC’s programs allow older adults and their caregivers to connect with what they need. The Together Today program offers social gatherings each day of the week around the county for older adults to create community. This program also prevents isolation by creating a safe space to interact with others in the same life stage. The Community Caring program connects volunteers with home-bound/isolated older adults to provide assistance such as home maintenance, transportation, friendly visitation, yard work and more. If you need help connecting with aging resources in our community, call 317-674-8777. Lauren Guynn is the executive director of Shepherd’s Center of Hamilton County. She may be reached at lauren@shepherdscenterofhamiltoncounty.org.