Our Roots
The first Kinship program began in 1954 as the Christian ministry of four students at Luther Seminary in the Twin Cities. These students befriended some boys in a tough Minneapolis neighborhood who needed a positive influence. They weren’t trying to evangelize or act as psychologists or counselors to these boys. They wanted to be their friend and make a difference in their lives.
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In 2022, there are currently 19 affiliates throughout Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County joined the other affiliates in 2020. Learn more about Kinship Inc. at www.kinshipinc.org. Our vision is to transform communities by matching safe, nurturing adult mentors with area youth so they reach their full potential and become positive societal contributors.
Board of Directors
President
Secretary
Vice President
Treasurer/Finance Committee Chair
DOUG FEARING
Board Member
RICH CADA
Board Member
Paul Kenas
Board Member
LOIS FEARING
Board Member
SUE JENSEN
Board Member
(open)
Board Member
Lisa Cook
Community Committee Member
Margie Druce
Community Committee Member
Eric Shimpach
Community Committee Member