Even in this difficult year, we still have so much to be grateful for in 2024:
When you support Kids ‘n Kinship, you support families like Nicolle & J. J waited almost two years for the right mentor to come along. The waiting period was frustrating for Nicolle because she knew how amazing J was and that having a mentor would be valuable to her son. When he finally got matched with Don (pictured above on the far right) more than a year ago, Nicolle said that Don has far exceeded her expectations and has made J realize that he’s worth all the time and attention that Don provides.
What we’re grateful for in 2024:
- We have AMAZING volunteers. We have volunteers that show up consistently for the youth they are matched with and THEN turn around and invest in them and our program.
- We continue to build our Kids ‘n Kinship staff to have the right people in place with the addition of Kara Rasmussen as Program Coordinator. We’re also thankful to have both Executive Director Alicia D. Crudup and Volunteer Coordinator Silas Means, Jr. in their roles with the organization.
- We have extremely devoted supporters and past mentors who have seen how our program works and continue to support us in amazing ways like serving on the board, on committees, donating money or holding huge fundraisers like Rick’s Bike Sale and the Christian Elder Memorial 900. It’s unbelievable and we’re both awed with your generosity and grateful for your consistency in giving of your time, talents and resources.
What we’re proud we accomplished:
- We are most proud of being there for our Kids ‘n Kinship youth and their families in an unimaginably difficult year. We’ve had kids lose parents, survive difficult situations and overcome major obstacles, all with a mentor and our program staff by their side. We pride ourselves on being there for the big and little things in the lives of our kids, mentors and their families.
What we’re going to put our energy into in 2025:
- Our focus will be recruiting mentors for the 42 youth on our waitlist. We see the impact that consistent mentors make in the life of a child who’s home life can be difficult. We will work hard to make sure every kid that wants to have a mentor gets matched with a mentor.
- Continuing to raise money to support the work we do with local youth like J.
- Will you help us with a year end gift or by encouraging someone you know to mentor?
Thanks for being a part of what we do!
Have a great holiday season and a Happy New Year!
The Kids ‘n Kinship Staff