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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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.
KMCC Director

Photo credit - Nicholas Walczak
Portage Daily Register
director@kinshipcc.org
608-697-3260

Kelly & Tiffani - 2002
Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego

I am so happy to be the new Director of Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County!
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I have a passion for helping children to grow into confident and respectful young adults. My husband, two children, and I moved to Portage in 2019 after my husband retired from the military. We have been enjoying the Portage community and all that it has to offer!
20 years ago, when I lived in San Diego, I was matched with an 8-year-old "Little Sister" through the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program. Tiffani and I had so much fun together at the beach, Botanical Gardens, movies, bowling, and frequent ice cream afternoons! She was even a flower girl in my beach wedding! I was grateful to have that opportunity to spend quality one-on-one time with her and watch her grow!
I have been a sports publicist, book publicist, substitute teacher for preschool through 8th grades, marketing director for a catholic school, and an avid community and church volunteer. For the last 10 years I have also enjoyed teaching Sunday School at church during mass for kids ages 3-8 years old. I was on the PTA Committee at St. Mary's School (Portage) and helped plan many activities and events for the parents, teachers, and kids! I also currently build and deliver beds to kids in the area with the Sleep in Heavenly Peace organization.
At Kinship Mentoring I hope to expand our mentoring programs throughout Columbia County communities and schools and match mentors with kids to foster strong and positive relationships. I will be planning lots of fun events and activities to do with all the mentors and mentees!
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We are currently serving the Portage, Lodi, Rio, Pardeeville, Poynette, and southern Wisconsin Dells communities and local schools in Columbia County. We are also partnering with some amazing local organizations to help support the youth of our communities!
Tiffani as our wedding flower girl
San Diego wedding - 2005
Board of Directors
President
Secretary
Holly Jensen
Board Member
Vickie Greenwold
Board Member
Sue Jensen
Board Member
Todd Solberg
Board Member
Anastasia Kinney
Board Member
Rich Cada
Board Member
Ryan Jensen
Board Member
Craig Ratz
Board Member
Lisa Cook
Community Committee Member
Margie Druce
Community Committee Member
Eric Shimpach
Community Committee Member