Kids 'n Kinship Thanks Our Mentors

In honor of National Mentoring Month, the staff at Kids 'n Kinship wish to thank our mentors for their dedication:

From Ingrid Henry, Kinship Coordinator: 
"When I first interviewed for my job with Kids 'n Kinship, it seemed that mentoring was about having fun with kids.  I, too, wanted to mentor so I could go to apple orchards and corn mazes, the zoo and science museum, and all the other kid-oriented fun activities I could think of!  But after 5 years of supervising mentor matches and 4 years of mentoring a girl myself, I now know that mentoring isn't primarily about the activities.  It's about the relationship and just spending time together.  Over and over again the kids say that their favorite activities are the ones where the match just go to the mentor's home and play cards or cook together or watch a movie.  Kids are so thirsty for attention from adults, it's not about the activities.  And that's why I couldn't be more thrilled that we have so many wonderful mentors willing to offer their mentees their undivided attention and valuable time.  It really does make a difference to each and every child!"

Rita Younger, Program Coordinator, speaks about gratitude and echoes the importance of the little things:  

"I am sure many of us are nearly overcome by feelings of gratitude as we go about our days - this is very true of mentoring.  I enjoy witnessing and hearing about kids, parents, guardians and mentors and their relationships.  Sometimes, I need to pause to comprehend the intensity of mentoring. One of my favorite quotes is: 'He has taught me a lot about generosity, unselfishness, compassion for others' - and this from a mentor! From another mentor: 'I’d been thinking of all the sights we could show him, but all he wanted to do was roast marshmallow, kick the soccer ball around with my daughter, and skip rocks.  It made me appreciate those little things we take for granted.  It is so much fun to be matched with him.' Year round, but particularly during National Mentoring month, I am grateful for the wonderful mentors and mentees in my life!"

Kids ‘n Kinship’s Director, Jan Belmore comments on the big picture:  

"Mentors are the backbone of our organization and without them, we would be unable to accomplish our mission.  Over the years, I have been blessed to meet so many great people and I am humbled to see the dedication and enthusiasm they bring to their mentoring.  We are deeply grateful to all who call a child their friend in our program."

So, THANK YOU MENTORS!

To learn more about kidsnkinship, go to www.kidsnkinship.org

Preparing for 40th Anniversary Gala Part 2: A Reason to Celebrate

Guest Blog, Jan Belmore, Executive Director

Why Celebrate?  As I look back on the years that Kids ‘n Kinship has served this community, I see so much good that the program has accomplished in our young people.  We often use the phrase “Make a difference- Mentor a child”.   Kids ‘n Kinship really DOES make a difference.  I have seen it over and over again. I have been with the program for 20 of the past 40 years.  Sufficient time to see the children grow into themselves, into confidence, into adulthood! The preventive force of mentoring is inspiring when you look at the impact on one person at a time.  Sometimes you see small changes, like a shy child that can now speak up and say if they prefer chocolate or cherry ice cream or wanting to go mini-golfing versus kite-flying. Other times, you get a chance to witness life-altering changes, like “I am going to be the first person in my family to go to college.” or “I’ve learned about how to treat people fairly.”  I truly believe in the power of mentoring and am honored to have met so many great youth and adults who engage in this affirming process, over and over.  Kids ‘n Kinship is growing our community, one relationship at a time.  Come celebrate with us and hear some of the stories.  It will be an uplifting experience sure to warm your heart!

The Kids ‘n Kinship 40^th Anniversary Celebration is September 8^th at the Crystal Lake Golf Club in Lakeville and tickets are available and can be purchase at www.kinship40th.eventbrite.com