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.