As part of Fishers’ mental health task force, Mayor Fadness is challenging 50 residents to join the effort to provide support to local students through Youth Mentoring Initiative (YMI). YMI is a school-based mentoring program that pairs adult volunteers with HSE Schools students for a semester at a time. Mentors meet with the students for one hour each week during the school day.
“YMI is a volunteer-based organization that provides a critical network of support for local students,” said Mayor Scott Fadness. “In Indiana, suicide is the second leading cause of death for individuals ages 10-34 and it’s clear that we need to proactively reach out to assist our youth in any way we can as a community.”
The need:
- 600 HSE students grades 5-12 are identified each year who would benefit from having a mentor
- 76 percent of students who had a mentor for more than a year said they felt better about their future
- 37 percent of HSE students grades 7-12 report having no sense of hope
Students who have been through the YMI mentorship program experience:
- Increased self-confidence and an improved sense of self-worth
- A better understanding of accountability and social responsibility
- Improved communications skills, particularly in identifying and dealing with emotions
- Academic improvement and healthier social interactions with peers
If you’re up for the challenge, attend a one-hour information meeting to learn more about YMI’s mission, mentoring opportunities and how you might be able to support YMI programs in Fishers.
Upcoming Info Meetings:
Aug. 17, 6:30 p.m.
Christ Community Church
13097 Allisonville Road
Sept. 21, 6:30 p.m.
Christ Community Church
13097 Allisonville Road
To help us track our progress in meeting the Mayor’s Challenge, please mention “Think Fishers” if you decide to pursue mentoring opportunities though YMI.