Enroll a Child
Kinship of the Park Rapids Area connects youth with positive adult role models to build lasting, consistent friendships. Our program is built on a simple idea: that a steady friend can make a world of difference in a child’s life.
What is Kinship?
Kinship is a friendship-based mentoring program. Mentors and youth meet to enjoy simple activities together—like fishing, baking, hiking, or just hanging out. Our focus is on spending time, not money, helping kids gain confidence through shared experiences for at least one year.
Is Kinship the Right Fit for My Child?
We strive to be an inclusive and welcoming program for all families. Because our mentors are volunteers and not clinical professionals, Kinship is best suited for children who are looking for a community friend and mentor.
While we wish we could serve every child, our program may not be the best fit for youth who require specialized therapeutic support or intensive mental health intervention. Our goal is to ensure that every match is safe, successful, and beneficial for both the child and the volunteer.
How the Process Works
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Application: Both the parent/guardian and the child complete a brief application.
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Getting to Know You: A staff member will reach out to schedule a visit. This helps us understand your child’s personality and needs so we can make the best possible match.
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The Waiting List: It can take time to find the right mentor. While waiting for an individual match, your child is always welcome to join our Kinship group activities.
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Volunteer Screening: Your child’s safety is our priority. Every mentor undergoes a rigorous screening process, including a national FBI background check, driving record check, personal references, and an in-depth interview.
Making the Match
When we find a potential mentor, we provide you with a summary of their background. If you feel they are a good fit, we schedule a Match Visit where you, your child, and the mentor meet alongside Kinship staff. A match only begins once everyone feels comfortable and excited about the new friendship.
Commitment & Support
A successful match is a team effort. We ask that:
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Parents support the friendship by having their child ready for outings and maintaining open communication with the mentor and Kinship staff.
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Youth are willing and open to accepting a new adult friend into their life.
Kinship staff provides ongoing support and guidance to families and mentors throughout the entire duration of the match.