Child in need

Isn't it strange how one horrible act can have such an impact on us and our world that things will never be the same again?

Most people are going about their daily routines in seemingly normal ways, but there is an ever-present feeling of sadness underlying everything. Many people are groping for ways they can lend a hand or ease someone's suffering. Being as far removed from the East Coast as we are, it sometimes feels as if there's not much we can do.

Do you know, though, that there are victims in our own area -- victims of racial prejudice, victims of teasing, and even those who are victims of their own families? At Kinship Partners, we come in contact with many children, and all of these children have at least one life circumstance that makes them different or vulnerable. The vast majority of our kids come from one-parent homes; but some of them have learning difficulties, are of another race, or just don't have the social skills necessary to make and keep friends.

Here is some information about two of the newest youngsters on our Brainerd waiting list. Six-year-old Danny is a first-grader this year. He's an energetic, talkative young man. He loves to do active things such as ride bike and play basketball. Danny is legally blind. He receives special help in school for speech, reading and math. Danny says, "I'm silly; I like basketball; I'm active, happy and friendly." He'd love to have a partner who is "young and nice." He wouldn't want to have a partner who is grouchy and doesn't want to do anything! It's interesting to note that Danny's mom had a "Big Sister" when she was growing up.

Also waiting for a partner is 6-year-old Dillon. He is in kindergarten this year and describes himself as "happy, fine and active." Dillon's mom describes him as being "extremely active!" Dillon loves bike riding, swimming, playing with Lego's and trucks, and playing on swings and slides at the playground. Dillon's older brother is enrolled in KP and is matched with a family. Dillon is African/American and formerly lived in the Twin Cities. He will need a partner with lots of energy and one who doesn't mind jumping from one activity to another.

Here is your chance to reach out and help someone in need -- someone right in your own community. Remember, one act of kindness can make such a tremendous impact that things will never be the same again! For more information or to apply to become a partner, you can contact us at any of our offices: Brainerd 829-4606, kinship@brainerd.net; Crosby 546-7308, kinship2@emily.net; or Pequot Lakes 568-4015, kinship@uslink.net.