Kids N Kinship is a wonderful organization! The staff is incredible and so supportive along every step of our mentorship journey. I am proud to be a volunteer with this amazing team’
My daughter has a mentor through Kids N' Kinship, and it's been absolutely amazing experience. Her mentor takes her out for a fun outing weekly, the program has helped us with resources and support, and we've even had fun family memories with some of the program events. Thank you so much Kids N' Kinship!
My daughter has been with kids n kinship for about 4 years now. This program stepped in and matched her with a mentor pretty quickly. It was a great help during a very dark time for my family.
My daughter has had more opportunities that she would not have had if she wasn’t a mentee with Kids N’ Kinship. She has a mentor that comes to her special events and I know this makes my daughter happy to have someone special in her life that cares about her.
I have the privilege of spending time with a nine-year-old girl through Kids ‘n Kinship. We get together once per week and do things like play games, see movies, do crafts, bake and go to museums. It’s a lot of fun, and an opportunity to provide a child with one more caring adult in her world. It helps broaden her horizons and increase her confidence. She loves the one on one time.
My son joined this program shortly after his dad passed away, and 4 years later, is still matched with his mentor. He has had experiences that I would not be able to provide him, and built a wonderful relationship with his mentor, and family. His confidence, determination, and motivation have all blossomed thanks to this wonderful program. I cannot say enough how grateful I am for Kids 'n Kinship, and what they offer to the youth of this community. I will forever support this program and the beneficial work that they do!
I met Ms. Alicia at the Party for the Pantry, she was personable and the way she spoke about the work was from a place of true love and that is rare. I am excited to get signed up as a mentor and I have enjoyed my volunteer time with Kids at Juneteenth.
KNK fills a much needed gap in community by providing young people with positive adults who can share lived experiences with them. The power of a mentor is unlimited how many times have you as an adult thought about the people who made a difference in your life be it formal or informal mentoring? I just love this group and I hope to provide a mentee with someone stable when I return to to the states.
Kids n Kinship has been a great program I mentored 30 years ago a little girl who is now a lawyer in California. They truly care for the mentor and mentee!
As a board member of Kids 'n Kinship, I have had the opportunity to interact with staff and mentors in the program. I'm continually impressed with the dedication, care, and compassion these individuals have shown as they provide a positive presence with our mentees and their families. This organization makes a healthy difference in the lives of many community members.
Kids N Kinship is a great organization. There is nothing more important than building community! Both kids and adults benefit from the relationships built through organizations like this!! They work hard at cultivating meaningful and lasting relationships. I can’t recommend them enough!
There's nothing more important for the future of community, business and family than the young people that will be a part of that future. Sometimes families need a little help with mentoring their young people to prepare them to be good and productive members of society. Thats where the mentor matching program through Kids 'n Kinship kicks in. It's a true pleasure to see how boys and girls in our community are benefiting from the quality adult mentors committed to aid family in providing positive role modeling to the youth through the program.
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I learned about Kids 'n Kinship while at a chamber of commerce event a few years back. As I slowly started to learn what this organization provides to the community, I grew a love for the organization and was eager to commit to serving in some form. I'm a firm believer that if our young people are exposed to positive influence, they will tend to grow into more productive members of society which benefits us all. Kids 'n Kinship models that through matching youth with positive mentors to provide them a constructive, encouraging and enjoyable adult/child relationship. Both the young person and the mentor receive memorable experiences that touch the heart. My partner and I plan to become mentors down the road and were excited for the experience.
Kids 'n Kinship is an amazing Organization. The staff is dedicated to the betterment of the community and Individuals alike.
I am a mentor with Kids N Kinship and it is the best volunteering experience I’ve ever had. The staff is incredible to work with - they work closely with me as mentor as well as closely with mentee and family. Small and powerful nonprofit whose staff and volunteers are fully committed to making lives of all involved better.
Our family has been involved with Kids ‘n Kinship for the past 6 years, and what an impact our match has had! We love spending time with our mentee, and it has resulted in all of us becoming more a part of the community as we attend local events, complete service projects, and frequent the city parks to spend time together. We are grateful for the way Kids ‘n Kinship puts youth at the center!
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Kids 'n Kinship makes incredible contributions to the Dakota county community - both for the mentors and the mentees. We have been a mentor family for the past five years. We feel supported in our roles as mentors by Kids 'n Kinship, we are so positively influenced by the young man we get to spend time with each week, and we are inspired by the diversity of people involved. Matches of a variety of personalities and ages developing meaningful relationships. Thank you, Kids 'n Kinship!
I have supported this wonderful organization in many ways over the years. Beginning as a mentor, then a board member, a volunteer for the youth outings and as a part-time employee. Kids 'n Kinship does an amazing job of matching adults to youth. They have been doing it for over 50 years! Positive things come out of these relationships for the youth and the mentor as many of them have testified. I whole heartedly support this organization financially and with my time.
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I served on the board for this excellent organization and am very proud to continue to serve as a volunteer. The work done to connect mentors with kids is priceless. So many youth benefit from the dedication of the staff overseeing the matches. I was a mentor myself in the program earlier on with a girl named Leah. The benefits we both received through our friendship are hard to describe but we shared many new experiences in the community.
Mentoring remains the most effective way to make a difference in a child’s life. Kids ‘n Kinship makes mentoring possible by matching at-risk children with adults and families for a long term relationship.
I love that a lasting bond is established with kids who are mentored. I have experienced this myself with the brother & sister we mentored over 30 years ago. This dynamic duo are now parents themselves, and we have remained good friends and a support when needed or asked. A couple of the children of our mentees are now in the program. The next generation to have life positively affected by caring adults who care.
Lasting, generational, reliable, trustworthy support of children for 51 years. This is the commitment of Kids ‘n Kinship.
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My experience with Kids 'n Kinship goes back to 1992 when our family of four became mentors to two siblings. We developed a long term relationship with these two at-risk kids and have enjoyed knowing them for 26 years. We went through many highs and lows with both of them and their wonderful mother and now enjoy an adult relationship with both of them and their families.
When young, we would have both to our home for fun and games, take them places like the zoo, theater, sporting events and much more. Kids 'n Kinship also hosts 4 -5 fun group events for mentors and their mentees, which we all enjoyed going to together. It's hard not to build a lasting relationship with your mentees and hope that by doing so, you make a difference in their lives.
Kids 'n Kinship has been serving at risk youth in Dakota County, Minnesota for over 40 years and have enjoyed continual success in matching kids with mentors and thereby changing lives for the better -- for the children and the adults who reach out to them.
My fiance and I have volunteered with Kids 'n Kinship for over a year now. We mentor a 14 year old boy and meet with him weekly to do fun activities and provide him guidance and mentorship. We have both gained a lot out of volunteering for this organization. It is such rewarding work to see the impact you can have on a child's life. I highly recommend becoming a mentor in this organization.
When I saw the article in our local newspaper about the Kids ‘n’ Kinship mentoring program I thought, “I can do that!” I’d been looking for a volunteer opportunity with direct contact that had flexibility of schedule.
From my initial call to sign up for the info session, the staff has been so responsive, friendly and helpful!! I felt like we got all of the training and support we needed to be successful, and they obviously had safety as a top priority which made me feel confident that it was a great program.
The staff took time to learn about our family and help select match candidates that would be a good fit. Our mentee has become an important part of our life. We enjoy spending time with her and appreciate all the extra opportunities available that Kids ‘n’ Kinship helps to curate or helps to arrange through their network.
I would highly recommend this organization for anyone who feels like they have room in their heart and life to share with a child who needs some additional support and encouragement! They help provide the framework, training, support and for an exceptional experience for both mentor and mentee.
I have been in contact with Kids 'n Kinship since January 2022 then I became a pen pal in March. I have found nothing but wonderful in each and everything Kids 'n Kinship does from providing you with information, walking you through the process, answering your questions to strengthening your skills and role with tools, materials, trainings and so much more. With Kids 'n Kinship you really feel useful, helpful and appreciated being part of the community. Much affection and appreciation to Kids 'n Kinship!
Many years of wonderful memories is what I've gained from being a mentor in this great program. From age 5 to now 23, my twin girl mentees have been a wonderful source of joy. While they now live and work in Alaska, recently I was extremely excited when they planned a surprise visit.
We may never know the impact we have on others -- and they on us!
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I continue to support this wonderful organization because of my experience as a mentor. Being matched with five-year-old twin girls twenty years ago, I never dreamed how thrilled I would be when receiving a message from them today. While they went off to college and both served in the national guard oversees, they never forgot our fun times together.
This nonprofit provides memories that last a lifetime!
I have been a mentor to a little girl for a year now. I am so glad I decided to become a mentor. Kids 'n Kinship did an excellent job matching me with my mentee. My mentee and I have a great time together doing a variety of things every week. My own kids are older now and it's so fun to do some of the same activities I did with my kids now with my mentee all over again. It's time well spent sharing new places and new activities with her and creating great memories for us both. I feel totally supported by the Kids 'n Kinship staff. From the check-in phone calls and weekly newsletter and free ticket emails, I certainly feel they are engaged and ready to support mentors and mentees/families. There's nothing like enriching the life of a child and enjoying the journey along the way.
I've been a mentor for a year and it's been a very rewarding experience. Being able to share your experiences, opinions and just being there for my mentee makes feel as though I'm making a difference in a person and our community. If you have an hour a week to share with a youth it will probably be one of the best things you've ever done.
My daughter kamaya loves her mentor she's very kind and nice she loves going with her every week and I love the company they're very kind-hearted.
We've been a mentor to two boys for the past year. We meet weekly and do a variety of activities together that they normally wouldn't be able to do. Its so fulfilling knowing you are giving them opportunities and new experiences and being a positive in their life. We share lots of laughs and fun times together.
My boys are on the waiting list for a Kids 'n Kinship mentor. Although they have yet to have that experience, the program has tried to include them in group activities when possible and they feel like a part of something already. The emails from the program give my family so many great resources of what to do with your family in nature, at home and online. I especially love the teenager options! Everyone I have met is so kind and understanding, I am happy to be involved.
I have volunteered with Kids 'n Kinship since 2012; first as a Mentor and now as an ambassador and Board Member. I am constantly AMAZED by what the staff is able to accomplish with the resources and time they are provided. They make a real difference in children's lives by connecting them to the generosity and care that I see in my community. It's an honor and a privilege to volunteer with this organization and to work with all of the folks associated with it!
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I have been involved with this great organization as a mentor for over 5 years and have just recently accepted a position on the board. The commitment to providing the best possible mentor match for the youth of our community is simply amazing! My Mentee and I have enjoyed so many great experiences together and I can say that at this point we are family. Over the years, seeing the efforts of Kids n' Kinship has humbled me and I am SO proud to be a part an organization that is making an immediate and lasting difference!
We are SO grateful for Kinship and to God that it has been part of our lives! Our daughter has had a Kinship friend/mentor for about 2 1/2 years now and it has been such a blessing! Our daughter gets so excited about getting together with her and anticipates hearing from her every week. I absolutely love this because she knows she can count on her to show up and she always does. This consistency and predictability has had an extremely positive affect on her both mentally and emotionally. We hope that their relationship continues for many years to come! We are so so happy to be a part of Kinship and hope it is able to continue to bless other families as it has blessed us. Thank you Kinship!!!!!!!!
This program has a BIG impact in the lives of youth. I currently serve on the board for this program. The organization is full of dedicated people who really care about our youth and the future of that youth. Story after story, illustrates how the mentors in this program were able to guide and enable these kids to more enriched relationships, better choices and ultimately achievements/successes that these kids could be proud of!
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I am honored to be a part of this organization. I have been involved for several years with this group and currently serve on the board. I can not say enough great things about the experiences, how well it is run and impact on our youth. The staff is a group of dedicated people that have a tremendous amount of power to serve our youth through mentoring. They are professional and have keen insights into making the best mentor/mentee matches! I have witness how mentoring can be life changing and secure brighter futures. I have seen children blossom is areas they never thought possible. Youth in this program develop a sense of hope and excitement for the future. Some of them become leaders, college students or working towards or in fulfilling career paths. If you are considering becoming a mentor or volunteering, Kids 'n Kinship is a great organization to invest your time.
This organization makes an ENORMOUS difference in the lives of children. I've seen it firsthand as a mentor for over 14 years. Every single personal affiliated with this organization vibrates with caring and support aimed at helping at-risk youth realize they are wonderful, talented, and cherished. Perhaps the most important thing I would want anyone to know about mentoring is how easy it is: simply including a child in your life, doing things with them, listening, supporting and believing makes an immediate and long-lasting impact. Kids 'n Kinship has adopted a model of mentoring that easily fits into any family simply by including another child in activities. Highly recommend this organization as either a recipient of its services or as a mentor/volunteer. You won't be sorry!
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I've been a mentor with Kids 'n Kinship for 11 years. This organization is invaluable because it not only focuses on making excellent, long term matches (after my first mentee moved out of state, I've been matched with the same young lady for 9 years!), it follows through with continual support to all sides of the match. We get detailed personal support as mentors, and the organization even provides fun events for mentor/mentee pairs. Over the years, I've seen amazing growth in my match, and she's on track to finish high school with excellent grades, and she knows she's going to college, it's just a matter of where. Without Kids 'n Kinship, she wouldn't have the confidence to have overcome life obstacles and see a bright future! The best part about Kids 'n Kinship is individuals, couples, and families can all mentor a child in need, making it a great option for any family. Mentoring is the most rewarding volunteer activity I have participated in, particularly because there's a long term relationship. My mentee is now a member of my family, and Kids 'n Kinship made that happen.
Kids 'n Kinship is a great organization that does important work, and takes very good care of their volunteers.
While volunteering and working with the team at Kids 'n Kinship Inc, I can see their passion for working with the youth and mentors. The work the team and mentors both accomplish with the youth they serve can be seen with the personal growth among all members (staff, mentors and youth) of this program.
Their mission generates lasting connections, increases self-awareness and self-confidence and embraces community.
It is really amazing to me how much of a bond you can form with a child by spending just a few hours each week with them. I used to feel like I should plan a big outing each time we got together but what I have found is that we both prefer time to visit. We grab some dinner and spend a good hour talking through whatever happened that week in her life. She is such a sweet young 11 year old. It is always a breath of fresh air to get her perspective on life. I enjoy our friendship and look forward to many more years. Kids n Kinship provides such supportive and positive staff members. They are always checking in on how things are going. They also provide a lot of literature, activities and support for both the mentors and mentees.
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Kids n Kinship are:
1) Grateful. They are always thanking me for the time I give.
2) Hardworking. KnK plans outings and activities for both the mentor & mentee to participate in throughout the year.
3) Positive. They are always finding the good and providing guidance on how to continue seeing success with mentor/mentee matches.
4) Thoughtful. KnK thinks of situations from the mentor & mentee perspective. They truly care about both parties involved in the match
5) Educational. They are always sharing guidance and information to the mentors. We have information up front that makes us feel confident and knowledgeable about being mentors.
6) Respectful. KnK really listens to mentors and mentees to ensure the best possible match.
Ours is a rather unique story in many ways. Our mentor was a mentee as a child and has been lead to give back to the program. This extraordinary program was beneficial to her and her family as her mom was a single mom. She is an amazing mentor and is one more positive role model for my child. And I, as her guardian, want to bring as many positive people as I can that will bring value into her life. Our mentor and this program have most definitely fulfilled that need.
My four years as a mentor with Kids n Kinship has been a great experience for me and, more importantly, my mentee. While my mentee comes from a very supportive mom and grandparents, there is no father present, so we’ve been able to doing a lot of “guy thing” activities. For me, mentoring has been a catalyst to get involved in some kid activities. For him, it has been an opportunity for both fun and learning some skills he otherwise may not have developed. He’s learned about tools, engines, how to maintain lawn equipment and build a bird feeder. For me, I’ve learned about video games and the latest slang. Fun activities have included kayaking, bike rides, running races, baseball, snow shoeing, swimming and water parks and going to festivals and car shows. Best of all, we’ve become pals. Kids n Kinship and their great staff provided the initial guidance and provides the on-going support to make it a great experience for both of us.
Well, what fun we have had. Our mentee, Mia is such a sweet young lady. Our family has been mentoring her since May 2019 and we really enjoy our weekly get gatherings. We have done family events such as going to Como Zoo, St. Paul Hotel for cheesecake, science museum, James J Hill house, dinners, walks, picnics, cooking, baking, crafts, and have had so much fun being with Mia. All children should have access to mentors, regardless of the mentor or mentees age. This has been a great experience for my family and we are so blessed to have Mia be a part of our life.
I have been mentoring a young man for over 6 years thru the Kids 'n Kinship program and it has been so rewarding to see how he has changed from a wild 11 year old video gamer to a responsible 17 year old that is in the working community. He has had a lot of struggles these 6 years but thru our strong relationship he is doing just fine. We both look forward to our weekly bike rides during the summer and snowshoeing in the winter. We have both received amazing support from Kids 'n Kinship. This is a way to truly make a difference in someone's life!
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I have been involved in Kids 'n Kinship for over 5 years now and am currently mentoring my second mentee. This is a great organization to provide role models to kids that are missing that in their life. Thru our weekly visits we normally try to do something outside like biking in the summers and hiking or snowshoeing in the winters. He is a video game guy and normally never leaves the house. School attendance has been an issue for him and one of my goals is to see him graduate from high school. He is currently in the 10th grade.
If it was not for this mentorship program he would still be indoors every day and not in school.
Our family mentored a pair of siblings for about 3 years. It was great to be involved as a family showing our own children at the time to give to others and to share their time in a positive way. This non profit organization works hard to match children through out Dakota County with a positive role model. Please consider being a mentor.
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My husband and I along with our daughters mentored a pair of siblings for a few years, till they moved further away. No doubt in my mind even the shorter period of time made a difference for these kids, even for us, The Giving back part. We still support and Volunteer with fundraising events. It's a great Non-Profit organization supporting area youth. The staff is awesome to work with.
We are so lucky to have such caring staff working with caring community members to match children to mentors. Everyone involved with Kids 'n Kinship works tirelessly to market the program, gain mentors and keep the waiting list of kids to a minimum. The stories are amazing and I'm proud to support this nonprofit.
Kids 'n Kinship is an excellent program, with many great volunteers who all believe in what we stand for. Most of us have been part of the program for years. I was a mentor for two years until my mentee moved to northern Minnesota. I have been involved with the annual gala for 7 years. It is the wonderful volunteers and the mission of KnK that keep me coming back year after year.
The best organization out there! The people are so friendly and they really are doing such a great service for our children and community.
My husband and I have mentored a young boy for 3 years. We were a little hesitant at first but the education and vetting process that the Kids n Kinship staff offered was exceptional and very supportive. They also provide on going support with educational and experiential activities to help bond with other mentors and mentees.
We also work to support ongoing recruitment and fundraising efforts and the staff are amazing in their work and efforts
I have been matched with my mentee for 3 years now through Kids 'n Kinship and getting to be a part of her life has been such a wonderful experience! We both expose each other to new things and enjoy exploring new things together. We have also been SUPER lucky to get to experience a variety of fun, memory making events through donations by very generous donors that we otherwise wouldn't be able to afford to do together (Taylor Swift concert, Vikings game, Escape Rooms, Twins games, Arcade games). We really enjoy our weekly time together, building a great, fun relationship! We're able to talk and connect in ways like close friends do so it's been great gaining that level of trust and being able to be a source of support and encouragement for my mentee! It's been really fun and rewarding to see the changes that our relationship has made in each of our lives, and continues to make. I look forward to being a part of her life for many years ahead and hope to be a positive influence in her life in any way that I can, hopefully encouraging her to "pay it forward" one day too! The staff at Kids 'n Kinship are AMAZING and so very accessible and helpful in providing resources, advice/support, and making us aware of opportunities for my mentee and I to experience together! I HIGHLY recommend this program as a wonderful way to invest in the life of a child and your community!!
This is a fantastic non-profit that fully supports their mentees (youth), mentors, volunteers, and sponsors. They truly pay attention to every detail that makes a non-profit program successful and enjoyable. I have been involved with the program for over 5 years and have enjoyed so many memories with my mentees. The yearly chats are great resources for mentors to connect with other mentors.
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Kids ‘n Kinship provides the best mentoring experience. The program is customizable to single people or families and to schedules. They coordinate quarterly events, but usually it is on a mentors own schedule to coordinate match activities. They support the match from the beginning with applications and interviews to ensure a successful match. Plus the match coordinators are a great resource throughout the match experience.
I volunteer for a couple of fundraisers for Kids ‘n Kinship and I think what they do is awesome!! They take such pride in the good work that they do for the youth of our community, and it is so much fun to meet the mentees and mentors and hear their stories. Kid n’ Kinship is really changing these kids life for the better and I am so glad I can be part of such a great group of people.
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Kids n’ Kinship is a wonderful nonprofit! I have been volunteering for them for quite a few years and it always amazes me to hear the stories of what they do for young people. By volunteering I get to meet the families of the mentees and the mentors, and everyone is so nice, and everyone seems to be so happy with the matches that they do. We love doing the yearly charity bike ride, and the support we get from the staff is incredible. This is my favorite charity :)
As a community member who has volunteered with many organizations, I can honestly say that Kids 'n Kinship is second to none! The passionate, dedicated staff are committed to making a difference in the lives of youth on a daily basis. They provide support to the youth as well as adult volunteers in the program. The longevity of the mentor/mentee matches demonstrates the careful way program participants are paired with mentors in order to make it a great experience for all involved. If you are looking for a way to impact future generations, volunteer with Kids 'n Kinship. You won't be sorry!
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Great local nonprofit dedicated to improving children's lives by matching children between the ages of 5-16 who are in need of a positive role model with a caring adult/couple/family! Mentors and mentees spend time together on a weekly basis, sharing conversation and activities. The activities don't need to be complex or expensive. An hour of throwing a football around, baking cookies, or playing a game are examples of everyday activities that may be enjoyed together. The goal of the program is for the child to receive positive attention, participate in a variety of activities, and develop a greater sense of self-worth.
Kids 'n Kinship is truly one of the best nonprofits around. The program pairs children in need with an adult to help build a friendship and mentorship between the two. As a former mentee, I can fully attest to what the program did for me and impacted my life. Whether its by volunteering or donating, the program can use your help to further provide a positive impact on our community.
I have been a mentor with Kids ‘n Kinship for over five years. I enjoy spending time with my mentee weekly. We have done a variety of things over the years. We have done crafts, bike riding, baking, cooking, and just hanging out.
My wife, daughter and I started mentoring a young girl this last April. We all look forward to our weekly time spent together. I will admit that we are struggling with some language barriers but watching two girls laugh and play brings joy to all. The fun we can have with a little effort is amazing. I feel we are making a difference in her life and in ours. This has been a positive experience all around and I would recommend this program for volunteers with the time and heart, along with the children that could use a larger support group.
Having been a volunteer with this organization now for almost 2 years, I can say for sure that this is a great organization that provides youth with meaningful mentor matches. You can really see the kids develop and grow into great people!
Joined Kids n Kinship to give back about a year and a half ago. Been nothing but a truly rewarding experience. We found lifelong friends in our mentee and her family.
Have volunteered for 8 months now and have enjoyed working with our mentee. Kids 'n Kinship is very helpful in making a great match and providing any further assistance with the relationship!
Great organization dedicated to improving the lives of youth in Dakota County! This organization has a great group of mentors committed to helping prepare youth for the future while having fun. Engaged, caring staff facilitate mentor/mentee matches and remain available to provide guidance and support throughout the ongoing relationship.
Going through the process to become a mentor my thoughts were on a teenager. I made my choice but even before meeting, her family moved away.
Then I met Mentee who was 11. It was an instant click as we found how much we had in common. We both are middle children from large Catholic families. We both have five sisters and our birthdays are a week apart.
It's now two years later, I have my teenager and I can't imagine my life without her. Thank you Kids-n-Kinship.
My wife and I became mentors 11 years ago and mentored Jon. About 4 years ago we added his brother Marcus. It has been a very rewarding experience with both boys. Jon is off to college this fall and we are still mentoring Marcus. Fun to watch them grow and learn. I also started a bike sale where we accept donated bikes, clean and fix them and have a sale every May. We have had 9 sales and raised over $130,000 for Kids 'n Kinship. People gladly donate bikes. we enjoy bringing them back to life and keeping them out of the dumpster, someone gets a smile on their face because they get a new bike at a good price and Kids 'n Kinship get money to operate their program. Win-Win-Win-Win which does not happen that often. Volunteer somewhere, it will make you feel good. Rick and Lise
I had the great pleasure of being a mentor to twin girls from ages 5 to 13. We experienced many fun Sunday afternoons going for walks, baking cookies, and a number of "firsts." I had an opportunity to watch the girls enjoy their first carousel ride, first baseball game, a chance to go fishing, and first time to visit a college campus. When they moved to Alaska, I felt like I lost some of my family. However, a few years later they came knocking on my door to visit, and recently both girls joined the National Guard and promised to keep in touch.
I could not have had this tremendous experience if it were not for Kids-n-Kinship. Because of their well-run program and amazing staff, they make it a privilege to be a mentor.
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I had the privilege of being a mentor to twin girls for eight years. We enjoyed many "firsts" together -- simple things like baking cookies and going to the county fair. I was sad when they moved to Alaska with their family but overjoyed when they came back to visit four years later and said that they want to stay connected.
Being a mentor is one of those things you do where you might never know the impact on the lives of others as well as your own.
I have been mentoring an 11 year old girl through Kids-n-kinship for 4 months. We are having a blast. We meet once a week for 2 to 4 hours and do fun stuff together: ball games, shopping, bowling, etc. It gives us both a break from our regular lives - mine is otherwise consumed with my job and she has a somewhat chaotic home. It gives us both balance and much needed perspective.
The organization does a great job of keeping me connected with other mentors as well as giving us our own space. It also helps with finding activities and tickets to events.
We have been mentoring through Kids-n-Kinship for almost 15 years. Our first experience was with a 9 year old young man who came from a single parent home with no male role model. We invested in his life (and he in ours) for 12 years. Most of our time together was simply including him in all our family activities. We encouraged him during his difficult times in school and let him know how much we cared for him. The Kids-N-Kinship coordinators were always there as a resource to us whenever we needed guidance for any situations that needed to be addressed. Our mentee is now 24 and has since moved to another state as is working for a law firm. We still keep in contact with him and spend time together whenever he comes back to our neck of the woods! We are now mentoring two young brothers who also come from a single parent home and need guidance to navigate through the environment that surrounds them. Kids-'N-Kinship has been a wonderful organization to work with. Their outreach to the community and program support for mentee/mentor matches has been awesome! They also have plenty of fun things to do with your mentee(s) by providing tickets for sporting events, recreational activities, educational trips , and great ideas on how to interact with and support your mentee. I can't say enough about our positive experience with this organization.....
My experience with Kids nKinship, is a good one . I saw the information about the orgianation
At my health clinic. I was a little bit hesitant to call for more info because I had never been an mentor before. When I gathered enough confidence to call, I talked to Ingrid, she gave me more information and we had set a date and a place to meet. There was paperwork I needed to start the ball rolling. When it got rolling, I hopped on. The staff at Kids nKinship are great, whenever had a question about being a mentor. I mentored an individual for over 2 years and I learned a lot about myself and learned a lot from my mentee. Right now I am doing volunteering for Kids n Kinship. The program helps kids and the community and when I am able to mentor again, I will be first in line.
Kids N Kinship is such a great organization. I started volunteering when my kids were teenagers and I had more free time on my hands..I was matched with a shy 11 year-old named Ashley who turned out to one of the best things I've ever done for myself and my family. Kinship really did a great job in matching us up, it was like a perfect match from the start and our friendship has now lasted 18 years and that shy little girl has turned out to be part of our family. Kinship made it easy with outings to do fun things together, they always were a great support if you needed anything, just can't say enough good things about this organization and the people that run it. Shelley Nordling
I served as a mentor and was matched with an 11 year old boy through Kids n' Kinship. We were matched together until he reached adulthood. The organization provided us with guidance and support from beginning to end. I like to think being matched together made a difference in a boy's life and helped him develop into the young man he is today. Kids n' Kinship provides that same support for scores of children in need of an adult friend every year.
I had the wonderful experience of being a volunteer with Kids 'N Kinship for 15 years!
"Kinship" is a great organization that carefully and thoughtfully pairs mentors with kids in need of an adult role model. They are very well organized and have a fabulous, experienced staff. The organization goes out of its way to provide all the coaching and help needed to make these relationships a rewarding experience for both the mentor and mentee.
I would HIGHLY recommend Kids 'N Kinship!!!
They do excellent work! Organized, they follow up, great staff to work with. They believe in what they do! They really make a difference in the lives of mentors, and mentees.
We were matched with a child for 6 years, and it was a very positive experience for both of us!
Kids 'n Kinship does a good job making sure that the matches are appropriate for both parties and that the ongoing relationship is well maintained and valuable. Their staff follows up on tasks and is professional in their contact and activities. I would recommend this organization to anyone that is looking to make a difference in the life of a child.
My husband started mentoring over 10 yrs ago. He was very apprehensive and certain he'd never make a difference in a child's life. Now, that young man is a sophomore in college and frequently keeps in touch, sharing how's he's doing in school, what's going on in college, etc. The simple fact that the two of them still make time for each other, even 10 yrs later, tells me that both of them have had an impact on the other.
Only 3 short months ago, I was matched with my mentee through Kids and Kinship. Although I was a little apprehensive and nervous to begin, the program had great training program and walked me through the first steps. My mentee and I are a perfect match! I couldn't be happier that I signed on with this program. I look forward to a long, rich, fulfilling relationship with my special girl!