Waiting for a mentor: Start a new lasting friendship

Real stories are always inspiring, especially to those of us who are considering mentoring and also to those of us who are already Kinship Partners.

Shannon has been together now with Amy for many years and their story is worth telling.

Initially, Shannon and Amy started seeing each other a few hours a week. Shannon included her when she had something special planned, or brought her home to enjoy a meal and time to chat.

These two enjoyed plays and concerts, going to the park or out shopping, but Shannon began seeing that the best part of spending time together was watching Amy enjoy the simple things in life.

This new connection turned into seven years of friendship. Shannon began creating a photo album, documenting the special times they shared together. Leafing through the pictures is yet another favorite pastime, sitting together and remembering their adventures.

Is this a "real story" you wish you could have? We have 27 kids, 16 boys and 11 girls, waiting for a Kinship Partners' mentor and one of them could help you create it.

With offices in Brainerd, Pequot Lakes, Crosby and Staples; Kinship Partners serves area families by providing positive role models to youths from the ages of 5 to 14. Mentors can be individuals, couples or families.

For more information about any of the 27 kids waiting for a Kinship Partners mentor, call 218-829-4606, or visit the website at www.kinshippartners.org .