(light music) - Well, April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and an important conversation will happen in Salt Lake City highlighting how community support, advocacy, and mentorship can change lives.

Olympic medalist Bill Schuffenhauer will lead this discussion.

And Bill, I hear that this is something that is very personal for you.

- Absolutely.

You know, with where I came from as a kid growing up in an underserved community, I always told myself if I ever made it to the Olympics and have a positive place of influence, to always give back.

And mentorship and coaching has been such a strategic part of my success, not just as an athlete, but as a student, as a human being throughout life, to help me get to where I am today.

And it only makes sense to be able to give back in that manner.

- So many people feel like they're too busy to mentor or don't really know how to get involved in that.

Is that something that you're gonna cover during this discussion?

- Yeah, I'm happy to help people navigate what that looks like.

It's really not that complex.

I mentor a number of different organizations and individuals around the world, from regular individuals to military, technology, to kids growing up in the system.

And it's always very rewarding to be able to give back in that manner.

And at the end of the day, all you're doing is you're being a friend to somebody who needs somebody else's support.

- Yeah, so many children out there just need that positive influence in their lives.

Are there any mentors that you would like to shout-out or say that helped change your path?

- You know, it's really interesting, as I get asked that question a lot, is like, "What mentors did you have?"

And, you know, I do about four or 500 presentations a year throughout the country.

And the list is quite extensive, right?

It's not only the coaches, it's the person who is next door, right?

And we're always looking for any of that.

Anytime we can find that positive mental attitude or that positive mindset, it doesn't have to be from an experienced professional.

It's just somebody there to help support someone and help them navigate some complex situations is all it takes.

- Yeah, when I asked that question, I was like, "I guess you could say just come to the discussion and you can find out."

(chuckles) If you'd like to learn more information about this important conversation that's happening at the I.J.

& Jeanné Wagner Jewish Community Center.

It's April 22nd from 7:00 to 9:00 PM.

It's Champions by Design: Mentors Change Lives.

And you see the website right there on your screen where you can go and get more information.

Thank you so much for watching "Contact."

I'm Liz Adeola.

(light music) Philanthropy, Arts, culture.

It's what brings us together.

Hi, I'm Liz Adeola, the host of Contact, a show that connects you with local events and organizations that serve your community.

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