Seriously, mentors needed

You've probably heard the jokes.

"How many gorillas does it take to change a light bulb? Just one, but it takes a lot of bulbs!" Or "How many safety inspectors does it take to change a light bulb? Four - one to change it and three to hold the ladder."

All joking aside, how many adult partners does it take to make a tremendous difference in the life of a child? One. Just one special person spending a couple of hours a week with a child is all it takes to impact that child's life forever.

At this particular time, the need for male mentors is critical. Three-fourths of the 54 kids on our waiting list are boys. Rather than needing "a few good men" we need as many good men as we can find.

Tom and Jack are typical of the boys waiting for their new adult friend. Tom is 9 years old and likes to do everything from playing sports, to fishing and swimming, to baking and taking care of animals. He will be in the fourth grade and he lives with his mom and little sister. When asked why he wanted to be in Kinship, Tom said, "I want to have a friend." Sadly, making friends with his peers is tough for Tom and he could benefit from having an adult friend who can help him learn to better fit in with his peers.

Jack is 8 years old and will be in the second grade. He loves waterparks, bike racing and fishing. He's picturing going mini-golfing and to the waterpark with his adult partner and he'd like a partner who is nice, friendly and likes to do outside stuff. Jack's parents are married but dad is seldom home. Being a middle child, Jack would thrive on some individualized attention.

The number of kids waiting for an adult partner is nothing to joke about. The need is great and the time is now. For more information on our waiting kids or to start the application process, call (218) 829-4606 in Brainerd, e-mail info@kinshippartners.org or, toll free (if you are in the northern lakes or Crosby areas), call (877) 730-5437. Or go to www.kinshippartners.org.