Trusted Mentors announces upcoming retirement of Executive Director/Founder, Jeri Warner

After nearly two decades as Central Indiana’s best-known champion for adult mentoring, Trusted Mentors Executive Director and Founder Jeri Warner has announced plans to retire in May 2023.

 Under Warner’s leadership, Trusted Mentors has shown that successful adult mentoring relationships can change lives and build a better community. The organization recruits, trains, and supports volunteer mentors dedicated to helping at-risk adults practice life skills that lead to stability, employment, and a strong sense of self-worth. Hundreds of individuals who have previously experienced homelessness, incarceration, and other challenges have found success as part of Trusted Mentors.

 The organization’s roots go back to 2003, when the Coalition for Homeless Intervention & Prevention asked Warner to develop a mentoring program—called Trusted Partners—for adults at risk of homelessness. Using best practices, Warner built the program and served as a mentor herself. By 2008, the fledgling idea had grown into an independent 501c3 nonprofit and adopted its current name. Over time, Trusted Mentors expanded by serving individuals participating in re-entry programs, as well as young adults (ages 18-24) aging out of foster care, diagnosed with a mental health issue, or who were alone and new moms.

 The power of adult mentoring has been recognized by local funders and partner nonprofits. In 2016, Trusted Mentors was one of six recipients of a special $100,000 Visionary Award from the Indianapolis Foundation. In 2022, the organization received a $150,000 Elevation Grant, Indianapolis’ signature crime-prevention initiative. Currently, Trusted Mentors provides trained mentors to more than 20 Indianapolis organizations and assists with the peer mentor program at RecycleForce.

 “I am always humbled by the work of the mentors and mentees to overcome the enormous challenges in their lives. I am confident that I am passing on a strong organization that under new leadership will continue to grow and serve the community,” said Warner.

 Speaking on behalf of the Board, President Melissa Weseli praised Warner’s passion, leadership, and vision. “What Jeri has built with Trusted Mentors will change lives for years to come. We are grateful she is leaving behind such a healthy and impactful organization; we wish her many years of well-deserved happiness in retirement.”

Trusted Mentors is working in partnership with Empower Nonprofit Consulting LLC to recruit Executive Director candidates. For more information about this opportunity, contact Don Gulbrandsen at (641) 373-3375 or Don@EmpowerNonprofit. com.

The Power of Relationships

 We invite you to understand the power of relationships. As recipients of the Faith and Action Grant, they shared a story about the impact of Trusted Mentors upon both mentors and mentees. Take a few moments to learn more. If it interests you in becoming a mentor, please sign up for training:

The Power of Relationships - Christian Theological Seminary (cts.edu)

January is National Mentoring Month

We want to take the time to say “Thank you” to all of our partnering agencies. We know it takes extra time to refer clients for mentors. We are truly grateful. 

 Our partnering agencies include: RecycleForce, Changing Lives Forever Program, Children’s Bureau, Outreach, Adult and Child, Craine House, Constructing Our Future, The Last Mile, Nurse Family Partnership, Homeless Initiative Program, Eskenazi, Second Helpings 

Mentoring relationships are powerful tools for connection and are important for the success of people struggling to remain housed and out of prison.  Mentors expand social networks and assist with problem solving.   It has an impact!   

Are you interested in mentoring?  We encourage anyone interested in having a one-on-one relationship to help someone stay housed or out of prison, to sign up for mentoring with Trusted Mentors. Training is held monthly. Volunteers then commit to 6 hrs. a month for a year.  It can have a big impact, on you and your perspective mentee! ##MentoringMonth #MentoringAmplifies #trustedmentors 

TrustedMentors.org » Volunteer Application