2012 is the 40th year Kids ‘n Kinship has served children and families in Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Farmington, Lakeville, & Rosemount. We will be celebrating this impressive milestone for a non-profit organization with a special gala and fundraiser in September and the planning meetings have begun! Our first meeting started with the question, “how would you describe in one sentence how Kids ‘n Kinship improves the world?" Our committee had some great suggestions, referring to the importance of relationships, especially mentoring ones for the next generation, as well as connection to one’s community in mitigating the effects of our fast-paced, gadget-filled, yet lonely lifestyle. Too many children spend their time at home, alone, facing a TV or computer screen. Too many adults do too!
The power of face-to-face connection with other people cannot be forgotten! And this is what Kids ‘n Kinship does best! To a young person, having a mentor is like getting the water and sunshine needed to grow a seed into a tree. A child needs members of their family, whether biological or not, as roots, the good soil of their community and school, and people who believe in them (mentors, coaches, teachers, etc.) to provide the water and sun to encourage them. Kids ‘n Kinship mentors help our community by nurturing children, assisting those seeds’ journey as they grow into trees. Kids ‘n Kinship is about growing our community through relationships. Be a friend. Be a mentor. Go to www.kidsnkinship.org today to get started.
