Kids N Kinship 2015 Annual Gala

Kids ‘n Kinship invites local businesses and
neighbors to experience the magic of mentoring

Organization’s annual gala event targets community
support where it makes the most impact

Enriching a child’s life can be magical. By becoming a positive adult role model, you can brighten a child’s future. And in the process, your own life can also be changed for the better. For 43 years, this brand of “magic” had transformed the lives of more than 3,125 Dakota County youths, thanks to the dedicated efforts of Kids ‘n Kinship.

Research has shown that quality mentoring programs have been associated with helping young people navigate through life’s experiences and challenges. A growing body of research has shown that mentoring can be effective; that a meaningful relationship with an adult is an important factor in a child’s healthy development.1

On Sunday September 27, 2015, Kids ‘n Kinship is inviting the community to lead the way and experience the magic of mentoring by supporting its program. Help celebrate thousands of successes during its annual gala at the Brackett’s Crossing in Lakeville. Kids ‘n Kinship (www.kidsnkinship.org) is a strong mentoring organization serving Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Farmington, Lakeville and Rosemount. A non-profit, tax exempt, 501(c)(3) organization, it matches individuals, couples and family volunteer mentors with youth in need.

The first-class event, featuring Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom as Master of Ceremonies, will include music by harpist Bonnie Melzarek, the Brodini Comedy Magic Show, an elegant sit-down dinner by an award-winning chef, a silent auction, a wine cork pull and a craft beer pull. The program will also include a moving testimonial by an adult who was mentored through Kids ‘n Kinship, and will honor some very special volunteers and supporters.

Tickets are $45 each, or $315 for a table of eight, and can be purchased at http://kidsnkinshipgala2015.eventbrite.com/. Sponsorships and donations are also available at http://www.razoo.com/story/Kidsnkinshipgala2015.

Helping multiple generations of children succeed

“Kids ‘n Kinship is celebrating 43 years of serving youth in our community in need of long-term, positive mentors,” states Jan Belmore, director, who has been with Kids ‘n Kinship for 23 years. “Funds raised by our 2015 Gala will go toward matching trained volunteer mentors with youth who need support. We are proud that 95 percent of the youth impacted by our program shown an absence or decrease in serious behaviors and report a positive connection to their mentor. They also develop new hobbies and skills, and enjoy new experiences. The magic of mentoring is the impact our volunteers make on the youth in our community.”

Belmore adds that, “Our mentors have guided many of these children through high school and beyond, creating lifelong friendships.”

There is a growing need for mentors and funding. There are currently 75 children matched with a mentor, and at any given time there are 50 or more children on Kids ‘n Kinship’s waiting list. “We have more children being raised in single parent families, and more being raised by grandparents. When schools and other agencies see a child in need of an adult role model, they refer them to us. Often a child needs extra support because of what’s going on at home. Perhaps there are needs or issues within the family and the child could benefit from a positive role model. Or the need may be economic: With no car or phone, the child may be isolated and unable to participate in activities or get to know their community.

“In addition to providing mentors, we collaborate with schools, businesses and social service agencies to support these families.” Belmore says Kids ‘n Kinship may, for example, refer the family to other organizations for warm winter coats or school backpacks.

Structured relationships can help young people stay on or return to a successful path when they may falter, and help them achieve key milestones on the path to adulthood, such as high school graduation and college completion.2

At Kids ‘n Kinship the average match lasts just under three years. “Many children get introduced to their mentor when they are younger. It is awesome to see the impact on their lives after many years of support,” says Belmore. “It is truly a witness to the prevention that Kids ‘n Kinship is providing in their lives.”

For more information about mentoring or contributing, go to www.kidsnkinship.org or call 952-892-6368.

Media Note: For additional information or to schedule an interview with staff or mentor matches, contact Media Relations, Inc. at 952-697-5220.

About Kids ‘n Kinship

Kids ‘n Kinship is a private non-profit organization that matches youth who have a need for an additional supportive relationship with carefully screened adult volunteers. Once a match has been made, mentors spend 1-4 hours per week with the youth. Typical activities might include biking, playing catch, attending sporting events, sharing interests such as cooking or going to the movies. Volunteers make a one-year commitment to the program. These relationships often grow into life-long friendships. We serve youth in the communities of Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Farmington, Lakeville and Rosemount. See more at: www.kidsnkinship.org/

1. Rhodes, J.E., Spencer, R., Keller, T.E., Liang, B., & Noam, G., 2006
2. From the Mentoring Effects study, www.mentoring.org/mentoringeffect