Crosby fourth-grader looks forward to flag football

If you are successful in your job, you probably had a mentor. If you are a trusted friend, or if you make a good family member, you almost certainly had a mentor.

It is rare that any of us really "make it" on our own. If deeply thinking about the road to success, we must identify that somewhere, someone: helped, guided, taught a lesson, practiced patience, gave encouragement, demonstrated options, and said, "I believe you can do it." That's a mentor! Mentors contribute to our lives by listening, offering suggestions, steering us to resources and helping us stay focused.

But some kids aren't so lucky. They do not have a person saying, "I know you can do it." Some kids don't grow up knowing they could succeed, or have someone there, supporting their efforts. This is where you can make a difference.

James would be a great opportunity for you to mentor a child. He is a fourth-grader in the Crosby area. He is living with mom and three brothers. He has not had any contact with his dad in the last two years.

James is very interested in sports. He loves playing football and he is very excited that this fall he will be starting flag football. James is very busy boy but not hyper. He does very well in school and he said, "I am the best reader in my class." James needs someone to say, "I believe you can do it" and just to be a friend.

To be a mentor, you don't need any special skills - just an ability to listen and to offer friendship, guidance and encouragement to a young person. And you'll be amazed by how much you'll get out of the experience. Take the first step to being a mentor and call Kinship Partners today at 829-4606 or (877) 730-5437 or check out our Web site for more information about Kinship Partners at www.kinshippartners.org.