Our Vision….Transform communities by matching safe, nurturing adult mentors with area youth, so they reach their full potential and become positive contributors to society.
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.
There are currently 18 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
Hello! I'm so happy to be the new Director at KMCC!
I have a passion for helping children grow into confident and respectful young adults.
20 years ago 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, bowling, and eating ice cream! She was even a flower girl in my wedding! I saw and learned first-hand the necessity and importance of youth mentoring!
At Kinship Mentoring, I hope to expand our programs throughout Columbia County communities AND local schools! I also love planning fun events, field trips, and activities to do with our matches!
Kelly & Tiffani - 2002
Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego
Youth Mentoring Program
Photo credit - Nicholas Walczak
Portage Daily Register
Board of Directors
Cory Otto - President
Todd Solberg - Vice President
Vickie Greenwold - Secretary & Fundraising Chair
Rick Leen - Treasurer
Valori Mendrala - Program Coordinator
BOARD MEMBERS
Becky Johnson
Doug Fearing
Rich Cada
Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County is a proud member of...
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Kinship Mentoring has partnered with these great organizations to continue to support children and families in our communities
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Columbia County Health & Human Services - Public Health
Promotes and protects the health and safety of our community.
Community Resource Guide
A complete list of ALL services and support for parents AND children
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.
Prevention And Response Columbia County
Through collaborating with Columbia County communities, we identify, guide, support, lead and advocate for prevention and recovery strategies to decrease the occurrence of substance abuse in our county - creating a healthier Columbia County with sustainable drug-free communities.
