Mentoring is a smart investment A recent Rand Report states that for every $1 spent on youth intervention at least $3 are saved in future spending. This mirrors the 2007 Minnesota Social Return on Investment study which showed that for every $1 invested in youth prevention, the return to society was $2.72. Regarding this study, Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom commented: “This comprehensive analysis of early intervention and mentoring programs for at-risk youth confirms what I have long believed:  There is not a sounder investment of tax dollars available to reduce crime and promote achievement than funding efforts of this nature. Investing in our kids through programs such as youth mentoring … keeps our communities safer and promotes future success of our children.” Kids ‘n Kinship is a quality-mentoring program, adhering to National Kinship Standards 2019 year-end statistics show that of the youth matched with a mentor in our program: 100% experienced a reduction in their sense of isolation through consistent visits with their volunteer with whom they are learning new skills, physical activities and hobbies. 100% established a positive relationship with their adult mentor. 94% experienced an improvement in their confidence, conflict resolution, decision-making, friendships, academics, and communication since being matched with a mentor. 

Please note we only serve children living or attending school in the cities of Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Farmington, Lakeville and Rosemount, Minnesota. In addition to our community based friendship mentoring program, we have a school based mentoring program with Glacier Hills Elementary School and Thomas Lake in Eagan. Click for more information. Read the child profiles. Read the Mentor FAQ page. Attend an Information Session. All prospective volunteers attend an information session with Kids ‘n Kinship. You will learn about the children who are waiting for mentors, the volunteer screening process and the activities and benefits provided by Kids ‘n Kinship. We have sessions every few weeks. If none of the dates work for you, let us know and we’ll plan a date and time that is better. Our next information sessions. Fill out an application. Participate in an in-home interview. After kids ‘n Kinship receives the application forms, we will send reference letters to those you listed on the application. Please tell your references to watch for a request from Kids ‘n Kinship. When the references are returned to us, we will contact you for an in-home interview. The interview is an opportunity for staff to get to know you better, which assists them in the matching process. It is also an opportunity for you to ask questions and discuss the type of child they would like to mentor. Complete your mentor training and receive your match. Once all the procedures are complete and you have been accepted as a mentor through Kids ‘n Kinship, a mentor training will be scheduled for you. Staff will contact you with information about children to consider mentoring. If you are interested in being placed with one of these children, we will contact the child’s parent or guardian. The parent or guardian has final approval of all prospective mentors. The initial introduction takes place in the child’s home, with the mentor, child, parent/guardian and Kids ‘n Kinship coordinator all present for the first meeting. After the match is made, staff have ongoing phone contact with the child and parent/guardian as well as the volunteer. Both parties are encouraged to call their Kids ‘n Kinship staff person if any concerns arise during the course of the relationship.

Mentor FAQ Am I good enough to be a role model? Kids aren’t looking for perfection. Rather, they’re just interested in spending time with someone who’s willing to share their life’s experience. Ordinary people can make extraordinary mentors. How much time does it require? Kids ‘n Kinship asks for one to four hours per week and a one year commitment, however many mentors will commit more time. We have heard from many volunteers that the rewards often surpass their investment of time. They also tell us that including the kids in what they were already planning to do takes a minimal amount of additional time from their weekly schedule.   Would a child like me? Adult-child matches are carefully made, based upon interest, location, gender and other preferences. The child and his/her parent or guardian have the final approval of the mentor. Kids ‘n Kinship staff continually monitors the matches and if difficulties arise, provide assistance. Few matches end because of incompatibility.   Are there opportunities to mentor at a child’s school? Yes! Kids ‘n Kinship also offers a school-based mentoring program at four local elementary schools: Glacier Hills and Thomas Lake Elementary Schools in Eagan, Westview Elementary in Apple Valley and Parkview Elementary in Rosemount. Learn more about this program.   I don’t know if I could afford to take a child out once a week, or every other week. Rather than spoiling kids with costly outings, we’ve discovered that simply spending time together is the most valuable resource adults can provide. Time together might involve playing a board game, making a meal, doing odd jobs around the house, washing the car or flying a kite at the park. Kids do need exposure to special events and fun outings, too, and Kids ‘n Kinship participants receive discounts at a number of community organizations including the Minnesota Zoo, the Science Museum, the Children’s Museum and local YMCAs, and also receive periodic free tickets to sporting, musical and theater events. Kids ‘n Kinship also plans activities that are free for both the mentor and mentee at least every three months.   What if I travel frequently for my job or for leisure? The kids in our program enjoy receiving postcards or phone calls from many of our volunteers that travel regularly for work or leisure. Although it’s great when mentors are able to select a constant weekly meeting time with their kids, for many it varies from week to week.   What if I’m busy with my own family? One of the great things about Kids ‘n Kinship is that couples and families can volunteer together. Instead of pulling families apart, Kids ‘n Kinship can strengthen them through common volunteer involvement. Your children, or perhaps grandchildren, can interact with your mentee, too.   Am I too old to mentor? Some of our mentors take on a role similar to a grandparent. The kids don’t see age as a problem. Anyone willing to share their time and interests is commonly welcomed.   What if I don’t have much experience with kids? You don’t need experience to be a friend. Additionally, Kids ‘n Kinship staff provides ongoing support when questions or concerns arise.   How much personal liability is involved? Kids ‘n Kinship works to diminish participant liability by carefully screening program participants and by meeting the rigorous Kinship Inc. standards. Kids ‘n Kinship has liability insurance which also covers volunteers mentors.   Will this be a bad influence on my children? If you have children at home, Kids ‘n Kinship takes them into account when matching you with a child. Giving and helping others is often the kind of legacy parents want to leave with their children.   Are all of the kids difficult to work with and lacking respect for adults? Kids ‘n Kinship has a variety of kids waiting for mentors. Click here to see our Waiting Kids. Your preferences and comfort level are taken into consideration Starting with kids as young as five, we’re often able to intervene when the kids are still open to adult involvement and prior to the development of behavior and criminal issues. Through having adults who keep their promises, the kids learn to trust. This lays the groundwork for respectful behavior.   Do I have to drive a long distance to be a mentor? Usually we’re able to match a mentor and mentee within a 15 minutes drive of one another.   How do I get started? Attend an Information Session to learn more about Kids N Kinship and becoming a mentor. You will learn about the children and teens who are waiting for mentors, the activities and benefits provided by Kids ‘n Kinship and the volunteer screening process. We have Information Sessions every few weeks during the day/evening/weekends. Click here for upcoming sessions.   What is the mentor job description? Position:
Kids ‘n Kinship Mentor, individuals, couples and families can apply to mentor a child.   Skills Required: Ability to love and care about children in a nonjudgmental manner. Ability to accept a child as they are. Basic friendship skills such as being reliable, accepting, listening, and suggesting. Duties: Responsible for initiating weekly contacts with the child. Consistency in meeting dates; planning outings with the child; contacting the child with changes in meeting plans. Maintain ongoing contact/consultations with the Kinship Coordinator- sharing concerns, highlights, and ideas. Purpose: Develop a positive relationship with a child to reduce isolation, and prevent/reduce at-risk behaviors. Length of Commitment:
One year or more. Training
Kids ‘n Kinship training session, ongoing support and consultation with staff. Benefits: Personal growth. Experience the rewards of making a difference in a child’s life.

All prospective volunteers are required to fill out and sign a Kids ‘n Kinship mentor application and a Bureau of Apprehension background check. FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK ON THIS LINK  : https://www.kidsnkinship.org/mentor-application/

Child Profiles Jake Jake is 11 years old.  He love to play football, basketball, go fishing and watch Animal Planet.  He lives with his mom who isn’t very sporty so he would love have an adult male to do play sports with.  Jake is quite, but opens up once you get to know him.  He is a good student.  Jake excels in Math and Reading but is not a fan of art or music.  His mom would love a great role model to teach her son how to be a good man.  Alex Alex is 9 years old. He enjoys sports such as football, basketball, and soccer. He also likes playing with toy cars, swimming, & going to the zoo and circuses (he loves animals). Alex is very talkative and active. He lives in Farmington with his single parent mom and his older sister. He doesn’t have any contact with his dad and his mom wants a male mentor or couple to spend time with him. Alex wants to play football and loves to go to skate parks. CiCi Cici, age 5, loves to dance, sing, play piano and guitar. She also loves to go to the park and adores going to school and has lots of friends. She is bubbly and talkative and a bit messy. She lives with her grandparents and her dad and she would really like a mentor to take her out and do fun girly things together. Cici would like to be an artist Cora Cora is 14 years old. She enjoys drawing, music, cooking and dance. Cora is in 7th grade. She is very intelligent and her favorite subjects in school are math and art. She would like to have a mentor who also enjoys cooking as she would like to learn more about that. Cora has some anxiety and is working very well with it. She has been in dance for several years and currently has a knee injury. Cora loves animals, particularly reptiles. Cora’s dream is to have a mentor who would like to go to movies, Valleyfair and play board games and video games. Nyla  Nyla is a 9 year old girl who loves to ride bikes, be outdoors, do gymnastics, bake and do art projects.  She is an outgoing, high energy, smart young girl who is looking for a mentor who wants to do active things.  She is an only child and lives with her mom.  Her mom would like her to be able to have a great role model who could share new experiences with Nyla that she can’t offer.  Nyla would love to learn how to swim and have a pet.  Jace Jace is 13 years old. He enjoys running and being outside. He is very smart and loves to talk and ask lots of questions. He also loves to cook and garden. He sometimes struggles to stay organized. He loves to try new things and learn. Jace is talkative and active. He lives with a single mom and younger brother. His mom is looking for a strong male role model to show him new activities, keep him active and give him some one on one time. Jace would really like a mentor to spend time with him. The profiles above are typical of the children in our program. You will learn more about the children currently awaiting a mentor during the mentor application process.  

Mentor Resources Activity Idea Locations Responsible Mentoring: Talking About Drugs, Sex and Other Difficult Issues Biological & Health Implications of Child & Adolescent Stress Building Relationships: A Guide for New Mentors Mentor Attunement to Youth Mentor Minnesota The National Mentoring Center Mentor Public/Private Ventures (P/PV) Children of Prisoners Library (CPL) Ideas of Things to do With Kids Helping Youth to Thrive Research Anti-Bullying Resources
This anti-bullying resources is shared with us from the Brenham Texas Community Center. How to Handle Bullying
A resource for youth, parents, teachers, and other adults. Resources for helping youth thrive

Is Kids ‘n Kinship right for my child? If you live in Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Farmington, Lakeville or Rosemount and are the single parent, guardian or grandparent of a child aged 5 to 16 in need of healthy, positive, and supportive relationship with another adult or family, Kids ‘n Kinship may be right for you. Reflecting on the questions below can help you decide. Does your child have a need for a positive adult role model because of inconsistent relationships with adults, the death of a parent or issues that affect the parent being able to meet their child’s emotional needs? Is your child in need of additional adult support in the form of a friend? Kids ‘n Kinship volunteers go through a screening and training process but are not professional social workers/counselors. Are your child’s needs currently being met or are your child’s needs appropriately identified? Does your child have mental health, behavior, attachment or physical issues that may prevent them from successfully interacting with a mentor, who may have little experience in these areas? Is your child able to connect with a mentor? Does your child want to have a mentor? Has your family addressed or is in the process of addressing needs that may be barriers to a long-term mentor relationship, such as having housing and a phone, counseling for family crisis such as recent deaths, physical and mental health or abuse situations? Does the child have current medical insurance? Are you willing to support a mentor for your child by submitting an application, having a home visit by Kids ‘n Kinship staff and signing release of information forms?

What is Mentoring? It’s all about inspiring children or youth to be their greatest self through an adult friendship. Our matches (the mentor and child or mentee) spend one to four hours a week together for one year. Matches often continue beyond that.   Why would a child need a mentor? All kids need positive caring adults in their lives. With families being spread out geographically, and many families split up by divorce, access to adults may be limited. Some kids simply need extra attention or a boost in self-esteem. Some need more opportunities to experience positive leisure activities.   What about me, the parent? The parent’s role always comes first. The mentor isn’t there to replace the parent’s authority or role. He or she is there to be another special adult in the life of your child, much like a favorite aunt or uncle, grandma or grandpa. Studies have shown that many parents experience an improved relationship with their child after their child has been matched with a mentor.   Where do the mentors come from? They are caring adults in the community who truly like kids. Mentors believe that it takes a village to raise a child. Our mentor application process is thorough, requiring an orientation, three references, a criminal background check, an extensive interview in their home and a 2-hour training prior to being matched. Our mentors tell us they enjoy the mentoring relationship as much as the child.   Do I have a say in who my child is matched with? Absolutely! The parent always has the final approval. You know your child best. We give you the opportunity to meet and talk to the mentor prior to the match appointment.   How do I apply to get a mentor for my child? Complete the child application after reading “Is Kids ‘n Kinship Right for My Child” and this Parent FAQ. We will review your application and then contact you to schedule a visit with you and your child in your home. This gives us the opportunity to get to know you and child so we can arrange the best possible match.

Referral Process for Professionals Many children are referred to Kids ‘n Kinship by their social worker, counselor or another professional in their life. Kids ‘n Kinship follows up on all referrals; however it is the decision of the parent and child if they wish to participate in the Kids ‘n Kinship program.   What makes an appropriate referral? The child must live in Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Farmington, Rosemount or Lakeville, and plan to stay in the area for at least one year. The child must be between the ages of 5 and 16. The child must want additional adult support in the form of a friend. Kids ‘n Kinship volunteers go through a screening and training process but are not professional social workers/counselors. The family is willing to support a mentor for their child by submitting an application, having a home visit by Kids ‘n Kinship staff, signing a Release of Information, and having the child ready and available on a weekly basis for a mentor visit. Families must connect with the Kids ‘n Kinship outreach staff monthly to support and sustain the match. The family has addressed or in the process of addressing needs that may be barriers to a long-term mentor relationship, including having housing, a phone and counseling for family crisis such as recent deaths, physical and mental health challenges or an abuse situations. The child is able to connect with a mentor. Some characteristics such as attachment disorders, autism spectrum, challenging behaviors or other issues are better served by organizations that specialize in these areas. Kids ‘n Kinship mentors are individuals, couples or families who befriend a child, offer guidance, support and activity opportunities. Mentors do not usually have the background to address specific behavior and health-related issues. How do I refer? For Eagan, Burnsville or Lakeville, contact Jerod Petersen 612-521-4374 or programs@kidsnkinship.org.
For Apple Valley, Farmington or Lakeville, contact Lisa Warren 612-521-4374 or coordinator@kidsnkinship.org. After you make a referral to Kids ‘n Kinship staff, we will send information and an application to the family directly. We can also send the materials to you if you prefer to present them. You can also download applications and information sheets from our website at www.kidsnkinship.org Important Notes Kids ‘n Kinship staff is here to serve children in need and will work with you regarding referrals or questions about a referral. We can assess the referral with you. Once an application is submitted, Kids ‘n Kinship will do an intake with the child’s parent/guardian to ensure they are appropriate for a mentoring relationship before following up with a home visit. We also do a Release of Information with other professionals interacting with the child to determine if their needs can be addressed by our mentoring program. Kids ‘n Kinship supervises the child/family’s involvement within the mentoring relationship and addresses issues that directly affect the mentoring. The program does not have the ability to provide case management and relies on our community partners and referral sources to assist the family with basic needs, crisis situations etc. You can call us anytime for updated information on the Child Wait List or potential volunteers available.

Kids 'n Kinship Child Application     Welcome Prior to filling out a Child Application, we strongly recommend that you read "Is Kids 'n Kinship Right for My Child" and the "Parent/Guardian FAQ". They can be found in the drop down menu under Child Information.   FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK ON THIS LINK  : https://www.kidsnkinship.org/child-application/

Community Resources COVID-19 Resources Kids ‘n Kinship Mentor Match Guidelines COVID-19 E-News 03/25/2020 ENews 1  COVID-19 E-News 04/01/2020 ENews 2 COVID-19 E-News 04/08/2020 ENews 3  COVID-19 E-News 04/23/2020 ENews 4  COVID-19 E-News (updated 5/6/2020) 04/29/2020 ENews 5  COVID-19 E-News 05/13/2020 ENews 6 Online Activity Resources Online Activity Resources 2 At-Home Activity and Resource Guide * Provided by the Army National Guard Child and Youth Services Program Multiple Services Prince of Peace Church in Burnsville has a “Mission Outpost” offering clothing / household needs. Located in the Christian Life Center (faces Ridges Hospital). Must either live in Burnsville or an adjacent community to Burnsville. Contact: 952-898-9311 Hosanna! Church in Lakeville has Tuesday night supper, haircuts and other services. Contact: Kellie Walia, Care Ministries Pastoral Assistant: 952-898-9287, kelliew@hosannalc.org or see their website Salvation Army offers assistance with HeatShare, food and other resources: 651-322-3500. CAP Agency: Head Start, Energy Assistance Program, Emergency Services (other than food), Furniture Donations/Referral, Emergency Food Shelf, Housing Programs, Crisis Nursery Rosemount Office, 2496-145th Street West, Rosemount, MN 55068. 651-322-3500 The Dakota County Public Health Department: Provides services to individuals, families and communities to prevent disease and disability and promote and protect the health of the residents of Dakota County. Dakota County Social Services: General Information: 651-438-4576 AFDC/MFIP, Medical Assistance, Food Stamps, Child Care Assistance: 651-554-5611 Child Support: 651-554-5909 Public Health: 952- 891-7500 Social Services After Hours Voicemail: 952- 891-7584 Child Protection: 952-891-7400 Dakota County Supportive Housing Unit: 651- 554-5611

 Community Partners 2019-2020 Corporations & Local Businesses Allina Health Charitable Giving  Affinity Plus Credit Union Eagan Affinity Plus Credit Union Lakeville Ameriprise Financial, Inc. Bell Bank Mortgage Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota Boeckermann Grafstrom Mayer CPA Burnsville Toyota Curlee State Farm Dakota Electric Association Elder Jones Frandsen Bank and Trust FICO General Dynamics Genz Ryan/Inspiration Design Great River Energy Hearthstone Hess & Hess Inc Home Federal Lakeville Behavioral Health Merchants Bank Apple Valley Minnesota Energy Resources Minnesota Vikings Old National Bank PBBS Equipment RE/MAX Advantage Plus Royal Bank of Canada Simpson Strong-Tie SKB Environmental Inc SpartanNash Superior Service Center Target Corporation The Credit Department, Inc. The Urgency Room Think Mutual Bank Thomson Reuters Thrivent Walmart Apple Valley #2642 Wings Financial Credit Union Xcel Energy   Foundations 3M Foundation Eagan Foundation Kopp Family Foundation Otto Bremer Foundation Owen Family Foundation Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Saint Paul Foundation Organizations & Churches Apple Valley American Legion Apple Valley American Legion Auxiliary Apple Valley Rotary Backstrom Volunteer Committee Burnsville Breakfast Rotary Club Burnsville Lunch Rotary Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce Eagan Lions Club Eagan Kick-Start Rotary Club Lakeville Lions Club River Valley Church Apple Valley River Valley Church Burnsville Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church       In-Kind Donors Bracketts’ Crossing Buck Hill Event Center Cornerstone Copy Dan Kern Elks Family Fresh Market Media Relations Agency Merchants Bank Apple Valley Michael Moschogianis Minnesota Valley YMCA Nothing Bundt Cakes Remix Church River Valley Church Sam’s Club Apple Valley The Free Book Buggie Total Wine & More TwinsCare Twins Commissioner’s Initiative The Urgency Room Fundraising Rick Anderson Bike Sale  Annual Bowlathon Christian Elder Memorial  Annual Gala Hy-Vee Bags 4 My Cause Amazon Smiles Target Circle Other Office of Justice YIP  

Annual Report 2018 Annual Report 2017 2016 Annual Report Annual Report 2015

“Our family mentored a pair of siblings for about 3 years. It was great to be involved as a family showing our own children at the time to give to others and to share their time in a positive way. This non profit organization works hard to match children through out Dakota County with a positive role model. Please consider being a mentor.” Mentor “I have been involved in Kids ‘n Kinship for over 5 years now and am currently mentoring my second mentee. This is a great organization to provide role models to kids that are missing that in their life. Thru our weekly visits we normally try to do something outside like biking in the summers and hiking or snowshoeing in the winters. He is a video game guy and normally never leaves the house. School attendance has been an issue for him and one of my goals is to see him graduate from high school. He is currently in the 10th grade.
If it was not for this mentorship program he would still be indoors every day and not in school. “ Mentor “I am seeing a positive influence, he is polite and upbeat and looks forward to his time with the mentors.” Mentee's Parent or Guardian “Well, Kids ‘n Kinship has helped me gain some skills like baking and learning history.” Mentee “A beautiful friendship has been formed. She has benefited in a very positive way from this friendship.” Mentee's Parent or Guardian  “I looked forward to my mentor coming and would sit by the window and watch for her because I knew whatever we would do would let help me forget about the stress in my own home…..I never cared what we did, just that I got to go and be with someone that I trusted and always had fun with.” Mentee

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