(WPDE) — Each month, ABC15 presents someone in the community with the Jefferson Award, an honor that has been given for 50 years to leaders who inspire action. August’s recipient is a true role model.
Shawn Ellerbe is a man on a mission. He wants to not only give back to the community he loves, but also empower and shape the leaders of tomorrow.
I want them to learn and build their own legacy,” Ellerbe said. “The main goal is to really develop better leaders in families and communities.”
In 2020, the non-profit organization G-LabLegacies was founded in Florence. It is a mentoring program designed to help young men find a path to success.
“It’s a really funny story,” Ellerbe said. “My sons and I used to hang out in my garage. My garage was kind of my man cave, so it was called G-Lab. When I sat down and wrote G-Lab, I thought, okay, it’s about gentlemen learning and building. And I like legacies at the end, so it’s called G-LabLegacy.”
Shawn said he is so grateful for the seeds his grandfather planted in him, and now he enjoys sowing the same inspiration in the young men he mentors.
“I try to instill that confidence because that’s one of the things I wasn’t given growing up,” Ellerbe said. “I always tell them, I want you all to pass me. Don’t think I’m the barometer. Be the best version of yourself.”
Shawn believes that the key to success, not just survival, for these young men is to find out what they are good at.
“What careers are possible that highlight this quality,” asks Ellerbe. “Because I know that many of them play video games. So how many careers can you create by using AI in the video game industry?”
In addition to helping them plan for a successful career, G-Lab Legacies teaches them everything from building a resume to managing budgets to basic auto repair skills. But most importantly, Shawn teaches the importance of maintaining a positive attitude despite life’s challenges.
“That’s just how I think,” said Ellerbe. “I’ve always been like that, more of a problem solver than a problem causer. Anyone can come to us with their problems, but there are only a few people who actually sit down together and solve the problem.”
The group currently has 75 registered participants. Shawn and his fellow volunteers use their contacts in the community to bridge the gap between teens and local leaders.
“I don’t want to hear about a shooting here in Florence involving police officers and children,” said Ellerbe. “We are a united force and we work together. It’s not like we’re fighting the police.”
They spread good and work together to create a better future for their participants and their city.
“We are trying to make sure that we produce as many positive men as possible from the city of Florence,” Ellerbe said. “Regardless of their background and circumstances.”
If you would like to volunteer or learn more about G-Lab Legacies, click here.
