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Thank-U-thon!

STLF's first-ever Thank-U-thon was a great success!

Blog/opportunities

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Dec09

Time 15:59

Friendship is a Treasure

A great opportunity to serve is by making a difference in a young person's life through mentorship.

Author: Brian Peterson, STLF

Many times after an STLF experience, students return home looking for ways to continue making a difference in their own community. Many students have chosen to make this difference through providing mentorship in a young person’s life. Young people have all the hopes, optimism, and ideas in the world, and mentors can often times be the difference that makes turns these things into positive action. Sometimes, more than anything, they need someone to believe in them.

While there are many opportunities to be a mentor, here are just a few examples in the Twin Cities of great organizations you can mentor with (click on the links to learn more):

To learn more about the importance of mentorship, take a minute to read this story about a Kids ‘n Kinship mentor. Most importantly though, whenever you have a chance to believe in and support a young person with a dream, take it. The world may never be the same.

Kids ‘n Kinship Story – Submitted by Ingrid Henry

It is easy to see why James and Danny look forward to their time with one another each week. They light up when they see each other, and look forward to another time of fun and special connection on each of their visits.

James and Danny began their special friendship this past June when they were matched through Kids ‘n Kinship, a youth mentoring program in Dakota County who has been serving children ages 5-16 for 37 years. There was an instant connection upon meeting one another. James said he knew his match with Danny was special on their first outing. He took Danny swimming at his pool, and Danny was really excited because he had only been swimming a few times before. James enjoyed teaching Danny how to swim better; he was very impressed to see Danny dive off the diving board and jump into the deep end so quickly, and has been continually impressed to see Danny’s willingness to try new things through the activities they experience together.

A Learning Experience for the Mentor…

James says Danny is a fun and amazing boy. He likes everything about him –talkative, fast learner, willing to try anything and do everything, enthusiastic, special. James says there is no better feeling than when Danny expresses his gratitude to him for his friendship and their time together. James has enjoyed being a kid again through the activities they share. James says everyone has a busy schedule, but finding the time to mentor is worth it, because it is so much fun! He also finds it rewarding to help him with his homework and to teach him new things. James has learned to be a better listener, and has a greater appreciation for what he has had in his own life through his relationship with Danny.

Priceless Opportunity for a Child…

Danny, 9 years old, says having James for a mentor is awesome. He always has something to look forward to, and they do really fun things together. Danny says, “When James helps me with my homework, it makes it a little easier.” He also says James is special ~ not every mentor would be as great as James!

One of James and Danny’s favorite activities was going sledding. They had a blast. They both learned how much fun they have together doing some of the simplest things! Danny says he is really looking forward to going to see Alvin and the Chipmunks movie with James, and hopes they get to eat pizza together before the movie.

Positive Impact for the Family…

Danny’s mom says she is so happy that Danny and James have been brought together. It has been great to see Danny so happy since he has met James. Danny always talks about James around the house with great excitement, and is always ready and excited to see him. Mom has been a great supporter of their relationship, and feels it is so worthwhile and great. She says, “It has been filled with only the most positive things for Danny!”

James says he considers Danny such a special friend and hopes their relationship lasts for many years to come. I think Danny’s quote wraps up his feelings about James best when he said, “James is better than any friend I have ever had.”