A Message from Our Director: Thank You for Five Years!
A Note from the Director: Celebrating Five Years of Service and Impact
To Our Cherished Community, Dedicated Partners, and Service-First Volunteers:
As we mark the fifth anniversary of The Shirley Louise Foundation, I am overcome with joy and gratitude. Five years ago, we began with a simple, yet unwavering belief: that service, character, and hard work are the foundations of strong communities. Today, I am thrilled to share the tangible results of that belief, powered by your trust and partnership.
Empowering the Next Generation: Our Scholarship Success
The heart of our mission is investing in those who serve. Through programs like the Shirley Louise Memorial Scholarship and the Community Change Award, we are proud to announce that the Foundation has distributed nearly $500,000 in direct funding to deserving students. This monumental achievement means we have empowered hundreds of individuals—from first-generation college students to dedicated graduate researchers—who demonstrate the moral character and commitment necessary to uplift their own communities.
Local Impact: The Marion County Mentorship Initiative
Beyond financial support, our service is focused on human connection. The success of the Marion County Youth Mentorship Program, which connects older professionals and retirees with elementary school-aged students, has been nothing short of transformative. This initiative embodies our dedication to intergenerational support, ensuring our young people receive the guidance they need, while demonstrating that great work happens when generations commit to doing what is right.
To see the seed we planted five years ago blossom into this beautiful network of service is the deepest joy of my career. Every scholarship dollar, every hour of mentorship, and every partnership reaffirms the power of our collective effort. It is truly a profound experience to witness the fruits of hard work and selfless service across Indiana. We began with the principle, 'there are no excuses: only work to be done,' and I am proud that our community lives that principle every single day.
As we look toward the next five years, we remain committed to the values that define us: Service-First. Community-Driven. Family-Strong. Thank you for being the vital center of our success.
With gratitude,
Shirley Swanson, PhD