Online Chat Option

Hello Mentors!

Please click on the links below for some valuable information regarding Teens and Holiday stress! . We can all feel stress and anxiety when it comes to holidays but when you are a teenager, at times it can be overwhelming. Money (or lack of), family dynamics and expectations can leave anyone feeling a bit out of sorts!   Coping is hard when you've had years of experience but your mentee is new to this and having some tools in your basket to guide them can be very helpful this time of year!!


Please click and watch or read the links below and then leave me a comment with your name and something you learned or will try in the upcoming holiday season or even add your own suggestion or example of what you have done!  

http://drgailgross.com/videos/dr-gail-gross-on-helping-teens-cope-with-holiday-stress/

http://www.today.com/parents/how-help-your-kid-beat-holiday-blues-1D80379074

http://mha-triad.org/2nd-art-holiday_tips.htm

https://kinshippartnersmn.wordpress.com/2016/12/08/its-that-time-of-year-5-self-care-tips-for-navigating-holiday-stress/

Happy Holidays!!!
Melynda

Chat Groups

One of the significant things Kids 'n Kinship offers our mentors for on going support is quarterly times to get together and meet other mentors (without your mentee) and to get training about issues our children and families are facing. 

Last week we had a great Kids 'n Kinship Chat Group with 25 volunteers, mentors and mentees! Wells Fargo Bank volunteers presented:
Money skills you need for life - - An engaging and easy way to learn financial basics and smart money management including:
Where does money come from/how does it circulate through banks and society?
Measuring value - is it worth buying?
Budgeting and putting yourself in control of your money
Examples of real life money issues
Education and earning money

  

It was a wonderful interactive session!​ Mentors commented on how important the information is and that is was a great setting to learn with other mentors and mentees. Typically in our Chat Groups, mentors have lots of opportunity to learn from one another, sharing what works and what doesn't, hot tips on fun and free activities, communication with parents and encouraging interaction with mentees. Mentors tell us and staff witness how much we learn from one another!​

One staff member had this to say about our chat sessions:
"Chat Groups are one of our favorite trainings because mentors tell us they get so much out of it when they learn from other mentors. One mentor found out about creating a scavenger hunt; another mentor got tips on budgeting money and activities with their mentee; and several shared ideas on connecting with parents and guardians in positive ways. Chat Groups are one of the best ways for mentors to experience ongoing training and get renewed motivation for mentoring!"  


While we offer four chat groups a year, mentors commit to attend 2 in order to further their ongoing training  - though many of our mentors attend all - which is great!


Please look for upcoming chats and make sure to subscribe to the blog for more information!!

Emotional Intellegence

It has been said that "emotional intelligence is the key to both personal and professional success"

 (source)

Have you heard the term emotional intelligence? Are you curious? Do you know what it means?

e·mo·tion·al in·tel·li·gence (noun)
the capacity to be aware of, control, and express one's emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically.

Simply put:emotional intelligence is your individual ability to identify, manage, and express your emotions, and to identify and empathize with the emotions of others.

How does having it improve your life? Is it something that you’re just born with? Can you learn it? Does it matter? Yes, I think it does. I believe that it positively effects your self-esteem, your physical health, your mental health, your job performance, and enhances your relationships.

While heightened emotional intelligence isn’t a requirement to grow in life, it certainly helps with a lot of significant areas. And, I would argue, that emotional intelligence is becoming increasingly beneficial as our world turns more and more towards technology.

Emotional intelligence can be broken down into four primary skill sets:

Emotional Awareness (or self-awareness): being aware of your own emotions, moment to moment, and understanding how your emotions influence your thoughts and behavioral choices
Emotional Management (or self-management): being able to shift, manage, and consciously suppress your emotions when necessary.
Social awareness: being aware of the emotional realities of others.
Relationship management: knowing how to develop and maintain healthy personal relationships with others

Want to see what yours might be?  Go here to download a quiz !!

Download the form and see yours!! Try it with your mentee too!! Are they similar?

Additional information found at here and here

The Power of Pizza

Ok, not really pizza power, but the power of food and getting together to share a meal as a way of connection. Last month a group of mentors sat down outside to share their stories with each other in the hopes that talking about things would help them learn what others were doing,  And it did just this- but it accomplished so very much more!  As stories were shared and "pass the pizza " was heard, the mentors began to share ideas and ways to connect with their mentees.  Over and over we heard "me too!" Which is such a compelling connection point, we realize we have something to give to others, as well as we are not alone.  And meeting outside, well that was an added bonus!!

Did you know?

Did you know? The story of Mentor comes from Homer's Odyssey. Odysseus, king of Ithaca, fights in the Trojan War and entrusts the care of his household to Mentor, who serves as teacher and overseer of Odysseus' son, Telemachus.

The definition of a mentor, according to Merriam Webster is:
noun men·tor \ˈmen-ˌtȯr, -tər\
1capitalized : a friend of Odysseus entrusted with the education of Odysseus' son Telemachus
2a : a trusted counselor or guide

Which brings us to the question, what is the role of a mentor today? Here are some ideas to think about:

· Be a friend, not a parent or authority figure. Mentors are trusted guides helping young people make positive decisions, form their own values, and realize their potential.


· Have realistic goals and expectations.Mentors understand that change doesn’t happen overnight and that setbacks occur.


· Have fun. Getting to know the young person is the primary goal of any mentoring relationship. Activities such as hanging out, grabbing a bite to eat, or playing basketball, help build the relationship.


· Allow the mentee to have voice and choice in deciding on activities. Ask your mentee what he or she would like to do during your time together. This ensures that the young person will be interested and engaged in the activity.


· Be positive. Offer encouragement and assistance. When times are tough, help the young person focus on the future. Celebrate successes large and small.


· Let the mentee control the direction of conversations. Don’t push the mentee to tell you everything at once; allow him or her time to get to know you. Be sensitive and respectful and above all keep everything the mentee says to you confidential (unless the youth plans to hurt herself or someone else).


· Listen. Sometimes the young person will need to vent about school, work, home, or friends. By listening more than talking you can learn a lot and build your relationship.


· Respect the trust the mentee places in you. Don’t judge the mentee or provide unwanted advice. Reassure him that you will be there no matter what.


· Remember that your relationship is with the young person, not his or her parent. The focus of the match is on the youth’s goals, not those of the family. At the same time, avoid passing judgment on the mentee’s family.


· Remember that you are responsible for building the relationship. Take the initiative to keep in contact with your mentee.

(Excerpt from http://youthbuildmentoringalliance.org/content/tips-being-great-mentor)

It's been a year!!

WOW!  I have been at Kids 'n Kinship a year!

In some ways it seems longer, and in other ways it feels like yesterday.

In the past year I have learned so much about my self and met so many spectacular kids,  mentors and volunteers!  Here are my definitions for some of the people I encounter daily:

Kids: resilient.  I am amazed by the resiliency of the kids I have the privilege of working with. Some who, by all rights should be angry at what life has handed them, yet often they are not.  That are just looking to find their way in this world and need some assistance from another caring adult, which is where our mentors come it!  

Mentors: fun.  The extraordinary grown ups that share their time, their life, their family and their heart with a young person and end up gaining so much more than just a friendship.

Volunteers: giving. The fabulous adults that band together and create committees to organize and run our events that  raise money to support what they believe in!

I am very lucky to be able to watch people's lives grow and change in so many different ways, my own included!!

SUMMER FUN!!

Summer fun!!  Try some of these!!

1) “Mentees are teachers!” Have your mentee teach you something they are knowledgeable about.
2) “Go on a trip!” Not really of course, but choose a place you have always wanted to visit (Fiji, Greece, Disney World) find pictures and fun facts in magazines, books and online. When is the best time to go?  What do you want see while you are there?  Then make your own scrapbook or travelers guide.  A great way to explore and learn geography!  

3) Play the “Who, what, when, where, why, how” game.   Rip 6 pieces of paper and on each write “who”, “what”, “when”, “where”, “why” and “how”.  Read a story, and take turns drawing one of the pieces of paper and answering a made up “who”, “what”, “when”, “where”, “why” or “how” about the story.

4) “Learn a language!”  Learn Sign language, Spanish, Latin or Pig Latin!  Teach each other a new word or phrase at each session.  Write them down to keep track and see how many you can remember.

5) “Act it out!”  Go to the library find a play, and read it out loud.

6) Make your own board game.

7) “Write a letter!”  Talk to your school’s mentor coordinator about finding a pen pal for you and your mentee at their school (the principal or guidance counselor), abroad or with armed service member.   a. For younger students you can work on your letter together letting them dictate to you or maybe help to write.

8) Make a bird feeder.   Do your research on what types of birds are in your area.  Find out about each bird's preferred habitat and diet.  With the right food, you may be able to attract some birds that you don't normally see otherwise.

9) “Story Swap!”  Start writing a story with your mentee, then each take turns taking the story home and adding new fun twists and turns to the story.  

10) “What is onomatopoeia?  Find out!”  Each of you seek out new and interesting English words and share them at your next session.  Make your own book of definitions. 52 Mentor Activities: An activity for each week! Feel free to change the activities to fit your mentee’s interest, or come up new activities! 

11) “What’s your plan?”  Make a timeline of your life over the next 5‐10 years.  What do you want to accomplish by the time you are 10, 16, 18 and 25?

12) “Make a collage!” Choose a theme like: “What do I want in my future?”, “What is fashion“, “What I want to be”, and find pictures and words in old magazines and glue them on paper. a. For younger students you can collage a specific letter and cut pictures out that begin with that letter, or make a number chart finding and cutting out pictures of: 1‐ dog, 2‐  letter “w”, 3‐ shoes, etc.   

13) Make a kite   

14) Write a haiku

15) Play 20 questions

16) Put together a puzzle or make your own.

17) Play hangman

18) Play Sudoku

19) Do a crossword puzzle or word search, or make your own!

20) “It’s a mystery!”  Write down a list of 10 things you’ve always wanted to know.  “Why is it dark at night?”  “How does a car work?”  “How does an airplane fly?”  Go to the library or go to the internet and figure out the answers!

Ideas taken from http://www.creativementoring.org/

Adverse experiences

Adverse Experiences For Youth Are All Too Common

(Reposted with Permission from Paul Meunier)

Adverse experiences are a common denominator among the young people served by Youth Intervention programs. For young people who experience trauma, many will struggle with social, emotional or behavioral problems as they grow up.

It is estimated that 66% of youth may have at least one adverse experience in their history and more than 20% may have three or more adverse experiences. With this prevalence, youth workers must have a thorough knowledge of the impact of adverse experiences and how to effectively work with youth who have had experienced them.

Some of the adverse experiences youth experience are:

• Emotional abuse or neglect – Youth are told they are no good, are stupid or are at fault for problems. Others may be ignored, made to feel unimportant or are excluded from positive emotional connections with their caregivers.
• Physical abuse or neglect – Youth are hit, pushed or slapped hard enough to leave a mark or cause injury. Not having their basic needs met (e.g. food, health care, shelter) can make youth feel unsafe.
• Sexual abuse – Youth are exploited by a caregiver or stranger; they forced the youth to touch or be touched in a sexual manner or to engage in intercourse.
• Problems in the household where care is given – Issues such as mental health, chemical abuse, domestic violence or other maladaptive behaviors are present and create instability or unpredictability in care giving.

Results from the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) study indicate that different types of trauma can lead to a diverse array of maladaptive behaviors in our youth.

It’s not difficult to spot behaviors that have resulted from adverse experiences. Throwing a chair in the classroom or a youth cutting their arms to the point of bleeding can’t be missed. However, it does take skill to identify the trauma that is the root cause of the behavior and know how to appropriately respond.

Simply trying to change the behavior is not effective for promoting a youth’s long-term healthy development. Rather than resolving the issue, there is the potential to do more harm than good.

It is important that the Youth Intervention services we provide are trauma informed.

Trauma informed care means:

• Understanding the impact of trauma
• Being able to recognize and identify symptoms of trauma
• Using evidence-based practices
• Having policies procedures in place specific to addressing the various cognitive, emotional and behavioral problems associated with trauma
• Being committed to avoiding the re-traumatizing the youth

Youth Intervention programs that utilized trauma informed care will:

• Screen for adverse experiences in youth. It is a component of their intake.
• Consider the impact of adverse experiences in all their interactions with youth. It is a constant awareness and not just when a youth is in crisis.
• Help caregivers of youth understand the impact that trauma has on youth and provide restorative techniques that will also help caregivers to heal.
• Set out to help young people understand how the adverse experiences have influenced their life. The intent is to help youth turn negative self-beliefs into an understanding of why they do what they do.
• Help youth develop coping skills that can help heal past experiences or to cope with experiences that are likely to continue in their care giving

Without appropriate intervention, youth who experience trauma could easily become the next generation of caregivers unable to provide their children with a nurturing environment. On a much larger scale, if this cycle is to be broken, Youth Intervention must be considered an essential service so that all youth get the help they need.

Paul Meunier is the Executive Director of the Youth Intervention Programs Association (YIPA)

Bowling fun!

Kids 'n Kinship had our annual bowl-a-thon a few weeks back.  The busyness that led up to it made other things take a back seat (like this blog) But it was so worth it!!  Families, mentors, mentees and the community all partnered up together to play and talk and do some amazing bowling (and a little shopping at our silent auction)!  

Were you there?  Or did you miss it?  Here are a few shots from the party!  

 It was national volunteer week so the kids made presents for their mentors!!

Local business came and volunteered!!

Families came together! We overheard numerous comments about how much fun it was and how great it was to see the mentors and mentees in action!!

          

WE RAISED $10,000 TO BENEFIT 

KIDS 'N KINSHIP!!

Meet Rita as she shares her love for the youth she works with.....


I have a fantastic job. I get to meet the most wonderful people in the world. I interview volunteers: individuals, couples and families, who step forward to mentor a child needing support. As I get to know the volunteers, I have images and characteristics of amazing kids swimming around in my head.

Last week I got to know a teen I have known for over three years, a little better. Jeffrey witnesses his younger sister and her fantastic mentor match. He has wanted one too - and now, due to some changes in his life, he is ready to meet a wonderful mentor! Jeffrey is a great teen. He is smart, respectful and interested in lots of things, including playing games like Jenga and checkers. He also likes biking, skateboarding and rollerblading, swimming, basketball and football. He might like to learn Karate. He helps his grandmother with grocery shopping and he helped his grandfather rewire and install a ceiling fan.

Jeffrey has been in an adult-like role of caring for his younger siblings - he could really benefit from a thoughtful mentor or a mentor couple who could help Jeffrey enjoy being a kid! If you or someone you know is ready for the positive, life changing, experience of being a friend to Jeffrey, let us know at kidsnkinship.org. We will be happy to tell you more . . .

Why do some mentoring relationships just click, while others seem to plod along slowly and others never seem to get off the ground? There are many reasons including individual, family and outside influences. A few thoughts are:


>Interpersonal History
Children and adolescents who have enjoyed healthy relationships with their parents may more easily be drawn to adults as role models and confidants. If you know how to interact with your family, it will play out in your outside relationships

>Social Competencies
This refers to children who possess the social, emotional, and intellectual skills and behaviors needed to succeed as a member of society. Youth who are better able to regulate their emotions and who have positive temperaments and/or other engaging attributes may be primed for higher levels of involvement with adults than are peers who lack these attributes.

>Developmental Stage
How old a mentee is will also certainly effect the mentoring relationship. Younger children thrive from active play and activities while older transitioning to teen age may want to engage in talking and conflict soling as well as life issues that arise.

>Relationship Duration

The longer the length of the relationship, the larger the benefits. Mentors get to know their mentee better as time goes on and as the relationship deepens so do the advantages.

>Program Practices
Programs that match their mentors well, stay involved with the match and offer mentor support have a greater likelihood of matches surviving tough periods between the mentor and mentee.

>Family Context
Parents who are involved actively in the program increase the youths chances at success. Mentoring programs that reach out to and involve the whole family have a greater change at helping at risk youth and in shaping their futures,

>Neighborhood Ecology
Community activity and involvement and support can also have an profound effect on youth today. The more cohesive a community the more likely it is youth will be able to have stong ties to those around them



Excerpts and summary from: by Jean Rhodes
at The Chronicle of Evidence Based Mentoring
For more information click here

Extraordinary

Mentoring...

It's awesome to watch the ordinary people who are willing to give of themselves with no real thought to getting anything in return- yet they do get something extraordinary!!


I am also amazed at the courage of parents to reach out for their child and ask for help.


This weekend I had the privilege of watching a family ask for guidance as well as a mentor and mentee begin their relationship. The family is going through some challenges and the kids are now living with their father. There are 2 older boys and one young girl. Dad works 2 jobs to support the kids and he is concerned his little girl is missing "girly things" in her life, so her school counselor called me. Who am I? I am a coordinator at Kids 'n Kinship. What do we do here? Here's how Kids ‘n Kinship works: Mentors and mentees get together on a weekly basis for fun and enriching activities. The mentor/mentee match builds an intentional friendship through sharing hobbies, sports, going to the park, arts & crafts, community events and other opportunities. The program focuses on spending time together and building a relationship. It was delightful to meet this little girl and learn about her interests and things she would love to do with a girl!


The second activity I had the opportunity to participate in this weekend was what we call "making a match" which is when I find a fabulous mentor for one of our incredible kids and they get to meet to begin their relationship. We work really hard at matching kids and adults who are just going to "CLICK" and this weekend was no exception! As soon as we all got together the teen and the mentor started talking and finishing each others sentences and planning things they would do. Mom kept chiming in with how remarkable it was that they had so much in common!!


I am a mom of 4 myself and I applaud the courage it takes for a parent to reach out and ask for help with their child. What I find amazing is the willingness of the parents to trust the well being of their child to another adult - yet, with my personal experience with being a coordinator, I see all the excellent processes that we take and I hope that I can reassure any worries a parent may have. I love being able to connect with parents to talk, encourage and empower them!!.


I see how the children in our program gain so much from having another person in their life that loves them unconditionally. Helping establish these relationships and watching them grow is the biggest benefit of my job!




Do you want to be a part of something like this and make a difference in your community? Check out our website here!!


Smiles!!!
Melynda

Powerful Mentoring!

Sometimes we think of mentors narrowly as those who sign up through a formal program to spend time with a young person. In addition to these formal mentors, informal or everyday mentors can be any trustworthy adult who offers support, guidance, and encouragement to help young people overcome challenges and become their best selves. What specific actions can adults take in their relationships with young people that help youth learn, grow, and thrive? Search Institute's newest research on developmental relationships identifies five essential actions that lay the foundation for a powerful mentoring relationship:   Express Care: Young people value relationships with adults who show they genuinely like them and want the best for them. These relationships help youth know they really matter.   Challenge Growth: Young people value relationships with adults who insist that they do their best to learn and improve.   Provide Support: Young people value relationships with adults who offer tangible, appropriate feedback and guidance in completing tasks and achieving goals--without taking over and doing it for them.   Share Power: Young people value relationships with adults in which they feel their voice is heard and they share in making decisions that affect them. This helps youth develop self-confidence and self-direction.   Expand Possibility: Young people value trustworthy adults who help them broaden their horizons and connect them to opportunities for growth and discovery.  Taken from The Search Institute Here.

National Mentoring Month: A Peek into a long term friendship

It's National Mentoring Month and look here for a peek at what a long term mentoring relationship can do : for a family, a parent, a child and mentor!!

Kirsten and Malia have been together since June 2009 and it’s easy to see how well they get along. “Our personalities are so similar, she’s just like me when I was that age,” says Kirsten. “Sometimes it seems like Malia and I are the same person – we see the world and react to things in a very similar way.  It feels like we “get” each other and we don’t need to explain things.  For example, a couple years ago, we went to see The Nutcracker (ballet) around the holidays.  Malia’s comment afterward was ‘I like it better when they talk.’  That was EXACTLY what I’d been thinking too – when I told her that we just laughed.”  They both love animals, so they enjoy playing with Kirsten’s dogs & cats, and visiting Kirsten’s horse. The highlight of their match to date was a “behind the scenes” tour of the MN Zoo from a friend who is a zookeeper.  “We got to give the Tapirs a massage (with a deck broom!) and see a 4 day old baby sloth.  It was truly amazing – we were so privileged.” 

Malia loves baking cookies at Kirsten’s house where she also gives Kirsten a hard time about how old the flour is, or when the last time she used the oven was.  Malia easy ‘outbakes’ Kirsten, which is a big hit with Gordie, Kirsten’s husband.  Kirsten admits she was surprised by how easy it has been to find things to do together. “It’s so easy!  We don’t have to do special things all of the time – just hanging out or taking the dogs to the park is just as much fun as the “big” stuff.  She’s the easiest person to hang with in the whole world!” 

Malia’s mom Joann appreciates that Malia has “someone to talk who is not biased, not part of the family.” Kirsten includes Malia in family gatherings and when Kirsten goes on vacation, she sends Malia postcards which Malia collects in a keepsake box.  Joann has nothing but good things to say about Kirsten and the impact she has had on Malia: “[She is] such a blessing!  I love dealing with her and she’s just a gem! I was just telling my sister how good of a relationship it is and I think it’s really helping Malia’s self-esteem…it just brightens up her day…it has been huge in Malia’s life.  I am extremely grateful for Kirsten, for her encouragement….Kirsten is a good role model for her.  She always shows respect and is kind.”  Kirsten also speaks very highly of Joann and Malia: “Joann is a very empathic person; [she] looks for the good in people. I have such respect for Joann as a mom.  She’s doing a great job with her girls!”  About Malia, Kirsten says “She’s a very grateful, open minded, gracious young lady and I love that about her.  She also has an amazing memory; I swear she never forgets anything, ever.”

Malia has really blossomed with Kirsten’s dedicated support. She has discovered a joy of reading and won the Reach award (Respect, Empathy, Achievement, Citizenship & Hopes & dreams) at school three times.  She also sang a Taylor Swift song solo at her choir concert! Kirsten believes in her mentee, listens to her, and encourages her in all her goals. Malia wrote about her match last summer in the Tech Mentor project: “I met Kirsten when I was about 8 years old.  It was awkward at first because I really don’t like being around new people but I gave her a chance and we became friends slowly but surely.  Being around her has made a huge difference in my life!  My grades have improved since I’ve been with Kirsten I think it helped that once in a while she would send a letter saying ‘I’m really proud of you’”.  Kirsten says, “Mentoring is really as impactful for the mentor as it is for the mentee. Mentoring is a great way to look at the world differently and try things you wouldn’t otherwise have tried.”  Kirsten looks forward to “many more years of hanging out with this totally cool young lady.”   

These 2 had a had a fantastic interview at WCCO this week!!  Take a look. 

Would you like to make a difference?  Go here!

 

January is National Mentoring Month!!

Please consider stepping up to make a difference in the life of a youth and become a mentor. All it takes is a willingness to befriend a child and individually or together with your spouse or family meet with the child once a week for low-cost activities in your home and community.


In Burnsville, there are 14 youth currently matched with mentors, and 14 youth waiting for mentors through Kids 'n Kinship. Here is one waiting mentee’s story:

Skylar enjoys hockey & basketball, swimming, bowling, drawing, roller skating, movies, going out to eat and volunteering.  She lives with her mom, stepdad, & younger sister.  They recently moved so she misses her friends.  Skylar is friendly and social; she’s in 7^th grade.  She wants to learn archery and get rid of depression.   She’s looking for a younger female mentor to have someone she could talk to and have fun with.

In Lakeville, there are 5  youth currently matched with mentors, and 5 youth waiting for mentors through Kids 'n Kinship.  Here is one mentor’s story:

It’s like we are twins!!  We love to do so many of the same things  We went to New Prague festival, watched Miracle on Ice because it was for homework, went back to school shopping, visited Caponi’s Art Park, went to Jordan’s Largest Candy Store, walked around the lake, checked out the farmers market, and went to the water park.  It’s all so much fun to see it through her eyes!!

In Farmington, there are 4 youth currently matched with mentors, and 5 children waiting for mentors through Kids 'n Kinship. Here is one mentee's story:

He has been my mentor for 5 years.  We watch sports, grab something to eat, and I go to his house!  I am just like a part of his family. It’s easy and fun!!!

In Apple Valley, there are 10 youth currently matched with mentors, and 11 youth waiting for mentors through Kids 'n Kinship. 

Below is one waiting mentee’s story:

Thomas likes football and baseball; as well as board games and he is very good at chess.  Thomas is a wonderful young man who has had a lot of changes in his life.  He is helpful to his single parent mom and he is sensitive, funny, happy, creative and very curious.  He needs a positive male role model.  His favorite subjects in school are: social studies, spelling and gym. He would like to become a puppeteer and eventually work at Nintendo for his career!

In Eagan, there are 10 youth currently matched with mentors, and eight youth waiting for mentors through Kids 'n Kinship.   Below is one teen’s story:

Angela recent told her mom, regarding her new mentor  "Mom I can grow up and be like her; I can go to school and be like her." Angela's mom also says that since Angela has been matched, she has changed a lot and is so much happier and I have seen her confidence improve.  They have gone to plays and to museums and her mentor is wonderful and very respectful and I really value what she is doing for my daughter.

In Rosemount, there are eight youth currently matched with mentors, and five children waiting for mentors through Kids 'n Kinship. Below is one mentee's story:

I love going with my mentor.  She used to come to help me at school when I was in elementary school. Now she picks me up from middle school every Friday and we go to her house and do crafts and cook and sometimes go out for hikes.  She is really nice to me and I love to spend time with her no matter what we do.