Todd-Wadena area Kinship program looking for funding

The Kinship Program of Todd-Wadena Counties recently received a devastating blow, losing a two-year grant the program had relied on for 10 years that accounted for 66 percent of its revenue.

If the 11-year-old youth mentorship program doesn't find another funding source, its doors could close by August or September, said executive director Dave Johnson.

Johnson said the program was one of nine youth intervention programs whose funding through the Youth Intervention Programs Association was completely cut. He said outside reviewers hired by the Office of Justice Department decided to completely cut funding from the nine programs rather than spread a 3 percent funding cut over the 85 programs it funds, which had been recommended by YIPA director Scott Beatty. Johnson knew there was a possibility Kinship would receive a 3 percent cut but had no idea until he received the news just before Christmas that Kinship's funding would be totally cut. The cuts were due to an $800,000 budget cut the Office of Justice Department endured, Johnson said.

Kinship received $20,500 a year from this grant, a large percentage of its $32,000 in annual revenues.

"We don't have that person like Gary Walters to spearhead things," explained Judy Bialka, a Staples Elementary social worker who refers children to the program but also serves on the Kinship program's board. "It would be a very sad thing to see this fall apart or funding not be there. Poor Dave, this was like a blow to the back of the head that he didn't see coming at all. I hope we can find something to keep this program going."

Walters has raised about $110,000 with his annual challenges for the Brainerd-based Kinship Partners organization since 2003. The two organizations are similar but separate. Bialka said Walters spoke to the Todd-Wadena board members at last month's meeting to provide some tips and motivation on how they could raise funds.

The program in the past year has benefited from two successful fundraising events that board members hope will provide additional revenue streams. An early bird golf event last year had 53 golfers who participated and more than 30 businesses that contributed prizes. The biggest fundraiser, also new last year, was the Railroad Days 5K Dash, which drew more than 130 participants.

"We felt we were starting to turn the corner and then all of a sudden - boom - we lost 70 percent of our operating budget," said Johnson.

Johnson is employed 30 hours a week to operate the program. He said the program has 24 current matches with children ages 5-17 and more than 27 children waiting for a match. Since his program covers two counties, including 27 separate school buildings, he said he could have many more children on the waiting list but he would hate for them to wait and never get a mentor.

"I was adopted so I know what that's like, the feeling of who wants me?," explained Johnson.

Bialka said there are several children in her school who would benefit from having a Kinship partner - both those who live with a single parent or have working parents.

"This program has reached many, many children and the adults gain from it, too," said Bialka.

Johnson said the program desperately needs a grant writer to donate time to help Kinship secure additional funding. Those interested in donating their time writing a grant proposal may receive a tax-deductible charity gift valued up to $500 per grant.

"We're kind of pleading to the community for a grant writer," said Johnson. "We're also looking for a Gary Walters-type person to be crazy and think outside the box."

Johnson said the need for adult mentors and the mentorship program is great in both counties. He recently learned of a second-grade girl in the community who spends much of her time caring for her little brother after the death of their mother. Children like this need stable, adult mentors to spend time with them, he said.

"This is a situation where an intervention is needed and it may not happen," Johnson said. "In a sense, a mentor is adopting a child without that day-to-day responsibility of raising a child, just making a difference in their lives on a smaller scale. It's a small investment and a forever impact."

To find out more information or to help the program, contact Johnson at (218) 894-2799 or (877) 631-1788 or via e-mail at kinship@arvig.net.

The Kinship board meets from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Thursday at Staples Elementary School.

JODIE TWEED may be reached at jodie.tweed@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5858.