Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) is proud to serve the communities that many call home. Through ensuring reliable power and providing a helping hand, our team always looks to make an impact for our neighbors.
For Nick Griffin, I&M Distribution Systems Supervisor, the impact he hopes to make in his community through volunteering is one that extends long into the future.
What organizations do you volunteer with and what are your roles within those opportunities?
Through I&M, I have done the Habitat for Humanity home build, volunteered to give demonstrations with our safety trailer, participated in the United Way's Day of Caring in Allen County and helped with Junior Achievement's 3DE program, which allowed me to work with students in Fort Wayne Community Schools. I have the opportunity outside of work to also serve as a board member and coach for my daughter's softball team and league, as well as coach her soccer team.
How long have you been involved in volunteer work?
I have been involved with the I&M portion of volunteering for the last four years or so, but the other opportunities to coach and serve as a board member are newer, within the last couple years.
What drives you to volunteer your time for the community?
The volunteer opportunities at I&M, are great ways to give back to the community that we all live in and see every day. We are all in this together and when we can help someone else succeed, it is a win for everyone.
Also, sports have always been a significant part of my life. I was fortunate to have coaches who pushed me to improve and helped me recognize my potential, which is what I want to do for these young athletes. It is about building their confidence, recognizing their skill and encouraging them to find the positives - even when the outcomes aren't what they hoped for. I hope they have some takeaways from the game that they can apply to other situations within their lives.
In your opinion, why should someone who doesn’t volunteer, sign up to do it?
Being able to help someone who truly needs it, or getting to be that positive influence in someone's life, is a great feeling. Honestly, if you are doing it for the right reasons, you don't care if people know it was you who helped. It is instead about knowing you truly made a difference for someone else.
Vea nuestra community page for more information on how I&M is supporting our local communities and how staff are making a difference through volunteering for their neighbors.