Retired Educators hear update on Kinship program

The Barron County Retired Educators heard an update on the Kinship of Cumberland/Turtle Lake and Kinship of Rice Lake/Cameron programs at their March 21 meeting. Jim Connell and Holly Gonzalez, executive directors of the two Kinship programs, were the presenters.

Kinship is a non-profit youth mentoring program that matches adult partners (mentors) with a child or children between the ages of 5-18. It provides activities to help foster the development of their friendship. The program also offers school-based mentoring programs, where adults have lunch with a child, play games, socialize or assist with learning.

Multiple studies have been done and show that, statistically, youth involved in mentoring programs are 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs, 27% less likely to begin using alcohol and 52% less likely to skip school.

Kinship provides opportunities for mentees and mentors to participate in events and programs that are free or of minimal cost. Events have included trips to sporting events such as Minnesota Twins games, plays, crafting activities, picnics and much more.

Kinship is entirely funded through local donations, grants and fundraising events. Every donation stays at the local organization and goes to helping kids.

If interested in learning more, contact the Cumberland/Turtle Lake office at 715-419-9747 or kinshipctl@gmail.com, or if in the Rice Lake or Cameron area at 715-234-1995 or info@ricelakekinship.com.

The executive directors said there is always a need for additional adult mentors.