President Sungwon Shin donates to four organizations during visit
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As the landscape rapidly changes on Kokomo northeast side and the electric vehicle battery industry becomes a reality for the community, one of the innovators responsible for the investment visited the city this week. And in true South Korean fashion, he came bearing gifts.
Sungwon Shim, president of Jaewon, made stops at the Kokomo Rescue Mission, the Kokomo Fire Department, Turning Point A System of Care, and United Way Serving Howard and Tipton Counties on Nov. 6. And with each visit he presented a monetary donation on behalf of his company.
Jaewon is a chemical recycling company based in Seoul, South Korea. It has invested more than $100 million to construct and operate a facility in Kokomo to support the manufacturing operations of StarPlus Energy, which will construct electric vehicle batteries.
Speaking through his interpreter, general manager Junho Choi, Sungwon Shim expressed his admiration for the Kokomo Rescue Mission, which was his first stop on the visit.
“(I am) very, very happy to come here and actually see the (mission),” said Sungwon Shim. “(I) really appreciate the opportunity to participate in this donation.”
Sungwon Shim went on to offer his staff to volunteer at the mission once the company is fully operational. Junho Choi indicated that Jaewon is expected to begin operations in Kokomo sometime in December.
Kokomo Rescue Mission Executive Director Kevin Smith was humbled by the $4,000 gift and excited about the possibility of having Jaewon volunteers helping the people the mission serves.
“A number of businesses in this community have their employees come here to do days of service to give back to the community,” said Smith. “We've got a variety of places where you can work and make a difference and also get exposed to what we do here. We would love that. We would welcome that.”
The Jaewon contingent then visited the Kokomo Fire Department’s Station No. 1 to meet the staff and firefighters and to present a $4,000 check to the Martin J. Meyers Scholarship Fund. Sungwon Shim explained his particular affinity for fire protection.
“Our HQ in Korea is in petrochemical complex,” said Sungwon Shim. “That is why we know how important the firefighting department is. “(I) want to show my appreciation to you for your jobs, and hopefully we can contribution to the scholarship.”
Sungwon Shim went on to explain that in Korea he has been directly involved with the fire department for more than a decade. He serves as an advisor to the department, specifically when it comes to handling hazardous chemicals. This experience has allowed him to develop a special affinity for fire protection.
The Martin J. Meyers Scholarship Fund was established in memory of the firefighter who contracted COVID during the course of active service and succumbed to the disease.
The group from Jaewon next visited Turning Point System of Care, again presenting a check for $4,000 to assist the organization.
“(I) feel very privileged and honored to participate,” said Sungwon Shim. “The things that you are doing are great. Even though this is a small part, we wish to participate, and we thank you for having us. We are more than happy to participate, not only with financial aid, but we will support it with community service and volunteering.”
Jerry Landers, Executive Director of Turning Point, was pleased to welcome Jaewon to the community and accept the donation.
“We really appreciate it,” said Landers. “Nickels and dimes add up to dollars, and dollars change people's lives. We appreciate the collaboration. We're dealing with an epidemic that's not just in the United States, but it's worldwide, and it takes a lot of people.”
Landers then took the Jaewon contingent on a tour of the Turning Point facility, showing them the intake area as well as Recovery Café, where clients can fellowship. Landers indicated the organization plans on installing a small storefront in the café to begin teaching job skills to the clients in recovery.
Jaewon’s final stop was United Way Serving Howard and Tipton Counties, where CEO Dana Neer and the staff welcomed the Koreans with open arms. Neer gave a brief description of United Way’s mission, which is to give, advocate, and support in the community.
“We are here to help people overcome obstacles and help them become independent,” said Neer.
Neer went on to explain United Way’s Buddy Bags program to Sungwon Shin, impressing upon him the fact that about 300 families and children have food to eat each weekend through the Buddy Bags program.
Knowing Jaewon’s eagerness to work and volunteer in the community, Neer explained that businesses often send teams of volunteers on Wednesdays and Thursdays to pack the bags with food and then deliver them to area schools so that children in need can take food home to their families.
The operation held appeal for Sungwon Shim, who pledged his company’s aid as he presented United Way with a $4,000 check.
“We are donating financially now, but I wish that our company, our colleagues, will participate and volunteer as well,” said Sungwon Shim. “Anytime you are in need, please let us know. We will have a lot of people available to volunteer.”