The 2013 College Football Coaches Challenge is Underway!

Kids 'n Kinship is proud to be one of 10 Expert Partner mentoring programs teaming up with the Mentoring Partnership of Minnesota and the University of Minnesota in the 2013 Coaches Challenge!

The challenge is geared towards recruiting mentors for top mentoring programs in the state. Gophers Football Coach Jerry Kill is challenged off the field by his peers in Iowa, Nebraska, Michigan and Kansas. Coach Kill has entered a “Coaches Challenge” to recruit more mentors for Minnesota’s youth. Coach Kill, MPM and the mentoring programs will work to close the mentoring gap for more than 250,000 Minnesota young people who could benefit from a mentoring relationship.  

This Coaches Challenge could be especially helpful in recruiting men for the many boys on our waiting list. Did you know that two times as many women mentor than men? And yet 29% of boys wait a year or more to be matched with a mentor.  Men, think of the types of important talks you have had with other men & role models, perhaps a coach or an uncle or a family friend. Now, imagine a young boy not having that opportunity.  You can provide that for them.  Visit www.BeAMentorMN.com to sign up today!

For more information on Kids 'n Kinship explore our website, www.kidsnkinship.org.  We have information sessions scheduled for Tues. Sept. 24 at the Galaxie Library in Apple Valley (14955 Galaxie Ave.) and Thurs. Oct. 10 at the Burnhaven Library in Burnsville (1101 W. CR-42), both from 6:00-6:45 pm.

Help Derek apply for jobs and colleges!

I met this young man recently and was struck by how mature he is, as he is asking for help applying to colleges and getting a job.  He really cares about his family and since his dad died, he tries to be the man of the house.  However, he is a bit socially isolated with his peers because they just don't understand him.  He really needs an adult friend, couple or family who understands loss to hang out with and have fun outside the house.  Could you be a friend to Derek?  All it takes is just being there for a youth in need.

First name:  Derek 

Age:  16

Interests:  He enjoys playing games, watching movies, reading, cooking, & crafts.  He also loves animals and spending time with his baby cousin. He’s in 10^th grade and likes science & math. 

Personality/Characteristics:  Derek is caring and smart.  He lives with his mom and sisters and doesn’t have a guy role model in his life.

    

Goals/Dreams:  Derek wants a mentor to have an extra person to talk to.  He would like to go to the zoo, parks, bowling, mini-golf, or museums, as well as get advice on job applications, college, & cars.

Looking for: A guy mentor to hang out with and talk to.  He's open to couples or families too.

For more information about Derek or mentoring a child in Dakota County, MN, check out our website: www.kidsnkinship.org or attend our next information session on Tuesday Dec. 4, 6:00-6:45 pm at the Burnhaven Library in Burnsville.