Volunteer Profile Feature Story

volunteer
November 17, 2015

Shelly Kellums, Survivor's Aid

When did you start volunteering?

I have volunteered most of my adult life. I’ve volunteered in schools, with the PTO, Mothers’ Club, Girl Scouts, 4H, dog obedience classes, and with many other organizations. I started volunteering with the Illinois Chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors (ILCOPS) when my brother passed away in an automobile accident in 2006.

Tell us more about the ILCOPS.

ILCOPS is an organization dedicated to helping survivors of law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty.  We represent both the survivors of Illinois officers and the families of officers from across the country who call Illinois home. I serve as the President for the Illinois chapter.

What prompted you to volunteer?

My brother was a law enforcement officer and dedicated his life to helping people. He died in the line of duty in an automobile accident in 2006. After losing my only sibling, my life was turned upside down. Our family went through many emotions after he was killed in his squad car. After my brother’s passing, I decided that I wanted to be a part of an organization that would help law enforcement family members deal with the emotional turmoil that comes with losing a loved one in the line of duty.  ILCOPS was extremely beneficial to my family.

Shelly Kellums Collage

How many hours do you volunteer?

40 hours a week and weekends, too.

What do you enjoy the most about volunteering?

As a President of ILCOPS, I have been fortunate to work with families in their grief journey. I have taken families to National Police Week in Washington, D.C., where their loved one is honored and they begin to receive counseling for the first time. I make connections early on with the surviving families by attending their officer's funeral, no matter where it is in the state of Illinois. Then we continue to reach out to the families by building our relationship through social media, phone calls, texting, and personal visits. The emotional support that I get to provide to these families means so much to me. I have been in their position, and to walk the journey with them to ease their burden means the world to me.

Does IMRF play a role in your capacity as a volunteer?

The article in one of the IMRF newsletters on the “Year of the Volunteer” was a great way to communicate to people about the importance and benefits of volunteering. Communication is important to spread good ideas and great knowledge. I think volunteering was something that was always emphasized in my family. Also, working in a public service industry, I know the value of working for the public. My role in life is to help people and pay it forward.

If you were to win this staff donation of $1,000, how do you hope to utilize it for your volunteer program?

I will use the money to help surviving families who attend retreats or counseling.