The Scott County Community Foundation is celebrating our 20th anniversary in 2017. Throughout the year, we will share stories from people who have been impacted by the efforts of our donors and volunteers. This story is provided by Jerel Taylor, a former member of the YGC and a 2012 Lilly Scholar.
“My involvement with the Scott County Community Foundation began as a member of the Youth Grantmaking Council. In my time as a member, I learned personal, business, and life skills that have stayed with me long after I graduated high school. During the granting process, I learned how to make an argument, support it, and to garner support from others for the cause I believed in. In addition, I learned how to compromise with others and to find common ground when there were sharp disagreements. It was also the first place I had to run a budget for a group. These are all valuable skills that have stayed with me as I entered into the business world.
In addition, my time with the Scott County Youth Grantmaking Council opened my eyes to a moral initiative that I believe all humans have. I learned how to wisely invest my time, talent, and treasure.
- Time-During one of the grant cycles, I remember hearing?a testimony from one of the children at a local mentorship agency. He talked about how someone giving up their time just to spend time with him impacted his life and helped set his life on a better projectile. This individual gave him hope, and it was nice for him to have someone who believed in him. Ever since this encounter, I challenged myself to always give my time to someone who needs encouragement. You never know how much this can mean to someone.
- Talent-I vividly remember meeting someone who has gone around the state of Indiana to build wheel champ ramps for those who struggled to afford it. This man was a talented builder, and he took one day off a week to help those who were less fortunate. Ever since this encounter, I always look for ways to serve a local non-profit with the God-given talents I was given.
- Treasure-Money is needed for grants to be given to our community. I highly encourage you to look at what all has been funded by the Scott County Community Foundation in our community. It is a long list, and much good has come from these initiatives. I know money can be tight, but I also think within the mindset that every dollar helps. If you can, just give what you can.
In Luke 12:48 it says, “To whom much is given, much is required.” My time with the Scott County Community Foundation showed me just how much I was given. With this in mind, I know much is required from me to better serve those around me. I am grateful for my time with the Scott County Community Foundation. The lessons I learned during my time with the organization will stay with me the rest of my life.”
