Richland-Wilkin Kinship Program

Data shows that 1 in 3 of our nations young people are growing up without a mentor. 

At Kinship we believe even the slightest positive influence has the potential to change a childs life. All youth need adult support and deserve at least one mentor to come alongside them to help them succeed.

Richland-Wilkin Kinship’s mission is to improve lives by establishing quality mentoring relationships with youth, between the ages of 5 and 16, and caring adult volunteers to promote stability, support, friendship, and community.

Our goal is to help children thrive in their environment by developing a healthy lifestyle and coping skills, and building self esteem with the support of a significant adult and role model.  Kinship’s goal  is to help the child achieve his/her potential and grow into a successful adult.

 As a social worker who worked for the county for several years, I can attest to the youth who fell between the cracks; not needing counseling, placement or medication, but desperate for someone who cared; for an adult mentor who believes in them!

 Kinship meets the needs of these youth who do not have natural supports in place in their life and can make the difference in helping them reach adulthood successfully. 

Not only is mentoring proven to work, but it has been a privilege to witness the tremendous impact the mentors in this program have had on Richland-Wilkin Kinship youth.

Andy was one such boy who after a divorce and a fragmented relationship with his father was struggling with grades, friends, mental health issues, lack of confidence and lying. After spending regular time with a mentor for over a year his mother indicates that Andy is not the same kid as he was a year ago. He is getting good grades, making friends and gaining confidence. She told me tearfully that she did not know how she could ever thank the mentor. The Mentor feels that he is gaining just as much as he gives. Your giving helps us place mentors with other youth like Andy.

Kinship mentors are making a difference, one friendship at a time!