Still hoping for the unexpected

Seven games back just a few weeks ago and the Minnesota Twins won the division title. Yes, the Twins were swept in first round of the playoffs. Still, what a poignant reminder of how the unexpected can occur.

At Kinship Partners, our waiting list continues to grow and the number of adults going through the process to become partners has shrunk. Needless to say, that's discouraging. We're not giving up, though, and we hope the unexpected can occur. Our goal is to match every one of the kids waiting for their own special adult friend.

Nine-year-old Michael is one of the boys recently enrolled in Kinship Partners. He was referred to our program by the counselor at his school. Michael is a friendly, outgoing youngster who has experienced some especially tough times with his family over the last couple of years. He lives with his mom and two younger brothers. Dad is out of the picture and has been for the last four years.

Here is how Michael describes himself: "I'm a fast reader, I'm good at bike riding, I want to do BMX, I wear glasses, I'm friendly, sometimes I get angry. I'm talkative and have a good sense of humor. I'm generous and I have two brothers."

He'd like an adult partner who is nice, active and likes sports. He thinks it would be fun to have a partner who likes to play football, go to sporting events, enjoys fishing and boating, does woodworking and plays video games.

Wouldn't it be great if 55 adults suddenly become available for Michael and the other 54 kids waiting for their Kinship Partner? It could happen - but only with teamwork. We need you to join our team! Give us a call for more information on our waiting kids or to start the application process.

You can reach us at 829-4606 in Brainerd, info@kinshippartners.org or toll free (if you are in the northern lakes or Crosby areas) at (877) 730-5437. You can also visit our Web site at www.kinshippartners.org.

We believe in the unexpected!