3 girls in need of mentors

"Teen years are a period of real danger," according to Pegine Echevarria, a recognized speaker and youth counselor specializing in teen issues. She believes girls, even more so than boys, face tougher challenges and are more vulnerable to risky behavior and making poor choices that have far-reaching consequences. Many of the kids on the Kinship waiting list are older youth and have been waiting for partners much too long.

Echevarria goes on to say that most teen girls will not talk to their parents about these dangers. Girls begin to pull away from their parents as early as age 9 or 10. There is a need to seek independence; privacy becomes an issue, as does the desire to be in control. No matter how good communication is between girl and parent, there are things she will not and cannot tell you, but she needs desperately to confide in someone. That's where a mentor comes in.

A Kinship partner listens and leads by example. There is no judgment or punishment. Mom or dad will always remain a dominant force in the daughter's life, but girls need to discuss the real issues they face and a neutral party is needed.

Kori is 14 years old and lives in rural Backus with mom, stepdad and younger brothers. She loves school, especially band, but struggles with her relationships at home. She needs help setting boundaries and making good choices. Kori enjoys bike riding, trips to the library, the computer and going to movies. She has been waiting for a partner since September 2007.

Nearing age 13, Skyler lives in Fifty Lakes with mom, stepdad and an older brother and has a mile-wide smile and lots of energy. She enjoys a variety of activities - water parks, baking, shopping and crafts to mention a few. Skyler would be an easy companion and has been waiting for a partner since March.

Eleven-year-old Sasha lives in Pine River with mom and four siblings and enjoys anything outdoors. Playing sports, bike riding, bowling, fishing and horses make her happy. She has pretty much given up on finding another partner, as she has been on the waiting list since March 2008.

Would you be willing to offer one of these girls, or another child from the Brainerd lakes area, some special time each week?

You can reach Kinship at 829-4606 in Brainerd, info@kinshippartners.org, or if you are in the Pequot Lakes, Pine River or Crosby areas, at (877) 730-5437. You also can visit our Web site at www.kinshippartners.org. Be a friend. Be a mentor.