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Wednesday, October 28, 2009

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A boy in need of a mentor

CHILD IN NEED

Imagine what it is like for a child to be faced with a parent's disability or sudden illness. Roles change, behaviors may change and family dynamics are certain to be affected.

Seventh-grader Braden from the Pine River area has been experiencing this in his family for over a year.

Braden describes himself as happy, smart, but sometimes sad and quiet. He lives with his disabled dad, mom and three younger siblings. He likes taking machines apart and putting them back together, horses and reading mystery novels. His favorite pastime is working with his erector set. Doing science experiments, exploring the outdoors and going fishing or hunting interest him. Due to dad's health and their distance from town, getting involved in school or community activities has been limited.

His mom believes that having a positive male role model also would help Braden to improve his behavior and manners. He gets angry at home, but there are no reports of bad behavior from school. She says he has plenty of energy and needs a patient partner. Braden also has fallen victim to some school bullying. Braden and his family work with counselors to help the family cope with mental health and social needs.

Braden is a hard worker and likes the idea of having a Kinship partner to learn more about building, wood carving and animal tending. Time away from his family would make home life less stressful.

Do you have a few hours each week to give Braden the attention he so desperately needs? You can reach Kinship at (218) 829-4606 in Brainerd or info@kinshippartners.org, or in the Pequot Lakes, Pine River or Crosby areas, at (877) 730-5437. Visit our Web site at www.kinshippartners.org.

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