Our Story

OUR STORY

Iron Sharpens Iron Mentoring (ISIM) is a non-profit organization established in 2015 by three dedicated social activists. Our primary focus is to support and guide vulnerable youth aged 9 to 18 through boys' and girls' circle groups. The core mission of ISIM is to empower young individuals by helping them discover their inner strengths, values, unique talents, and purpose to shape them into future leaders and responsible citizens. We offer various services, including group mentoring, peer-to-peer support, youth leadership development, and a parent engagement component, all aimed at making a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of our youth and securing a brighter future for them.

THE PURPOSE

Our unwavering dedication is evident in our mission, which is focused on nurturing the transformation of our youth into assertive, caring, and empowered contributors to our community. This mission is not just a goal but a powerful force that can bring about positive change in our society.

THE LEGACY

Since 2015, Iron Sharpens Iron Mentoring (ISIM) has been making a positive impact by working with youth, particularly those who are vulnerable and at-risk, and more recently, those with disabilities, in juvenile detention centers and through community partnerships across Clark County, Nevada. We have achieved significant milestones over the years, such as improved school attendance and graduation rates, which have bolstered our credibility and trust within the community. ISIM utilizes an evidence-based curriculum from One Circle Foundation (www.onecirclefoundation.org) to help youth develop essential skills such as leadership, cooperation, teamwork, communication, and decision-making. ISIM aims to instill crucial values, including integrity, accountability, caring, and confidence, in the youth through this program.

OUR FOUNDERS

  • Co-Founder

    In 2014 three men who are Veterans and members of First African Methodist Episcopal Church (FAME) in North Las Vegas, regularly met to discuss what we could do to assist to lessen the juvenile disregard for the rules of law and respect for authority figures.

    Because I had experience mentoring for years, we decided to establish "Iron Sharpens Iron Mentoring". In 2015, Pastor Ralph Williamson allowed us to rent a space in FAME and ISIM was founded.

  • Co-Founder

    I chose mentoring with Iron Sharpens Iron because I recognized a need to help young men find a positive career path. I was blessed to have positive role models in my life, my father, uncles, and grandfathers. They always encouraged me to do my best in all of my endeavors.

    I proudly served 23 years in the Air Force, owned a tax, bookkeeping service, and retired from NV Energy with 22 years. I felt that the life experiences I encountered would serve to help some of the young men today. The things I admired most about my role models and have applied to my own life are strong work ethics, unwavering honesty, a love and commitment to family, and most of all keeping God first.

  • Co-Founder

    I mentor because I believe and trust God that it is his will for us to do. I am grateful to be a part of the history of our love for families. We know that what we are teaching is good and good for all.

Join ISIM to create life-changing experiences for vulnerable youth. Your involvement is not just appreciated but crucial. By joining us, you contribute to something meaningful and leave a lasting, positive impact. Your role is significant in our mission to empower and support our youth.

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