There was once a time when Amy Fleshman was very depressed and thought, “stop the world, I just want to get off.” Even though she had talents and abilities, she wasn’t sure how to use them effectively since she looked at situations from the negative side. “You could say I was a real negative Nelly and it affected my outlook on life. I was overwhelmed by being a mom, wife, volunteer – and with life in general – because I was very structured and felt disappointment at every turn. It wasn’t until I surrendered it all. I let go and let God be in control. That was when I found freedom from my destructive thoughts. Now I am about as flexible and unbothered by changes in schedules because I have seen the benefits of un-planned moments resulting in very meaningful and teachable times in my life. Now I ask myself, ‘Where’s KIP?” KIP stands for Keep it Positive – to help focus on positive things happening and finding ways to move forward.
Amy is a “domestic engineer” (homemaker) and loves it. Amy and her husband David both felt there was great value in being a stay-at-home mom and it has allowed her to direct a lot of her time/talents to volunteering and investing in others.
Amy spends a lot of her time volunteering with 4-H. Through that organization she has coordinated the Central Ohio Walk and Serve. For the event, 15 4-H clubs adopt different non-profit organizations to make hands-on projects that are donated to their organization. The event is open to the public and people come and learn about the different non-profits while they make something for them. Through the event they have donated over 2,800 items to Central Ohio non-profits along with 1,000 pounds of food to the Mid-Ohio Food Bank. Amy is also the Co-Director of the Franklin County 4-H Camp where she prepares and trains a group of teens to be camp counselors. “Working with teens I realize it is a very sensitive time of life. Often they are self-conscious and cautious about being ‘different.’ It is amazing to work with youth who want to be camp counselors. We have fun while we learn! Through hands-on learning we develop and sharpen problem solving, team building, public speaking, and other lifelong skills that will help them have self-confidence and be a joy to work with.”
Amy’s family is a huge support to her volunteer efforts. They help behind the scenes in ways that others don’t see or receive any type of recognition for. Her family knows it takes hard work for most events and activities to happen, but the investment in lives is of great reward.
Amy hopes to speak to more groups if the opportunities become available and to connect with additional non-profits that would benefit from hands-on projects made and donated to them through the Central Ohio Walk and Serve. “I see the potential for the Walk and Serve to be duplicated in other counties and states. It is a great way to showcase non-profits, youth, and to create a unique family-friendly activity for the community.”
For more information about the Central Ohio Walk and Serve, visit www.4hcouncil.org