Mission
Kinship of Rusk County works to improve the quality of life for families, children, and developmentally delayed adults by providing adult/family mentors and activities which promote stability, support, friendship and community.
Ordinary people can and do make a huge impact on the lives of others. Kinship of Rusk County is a community and school based mentoring program.
Getting Involved...Kinship Mentors Make a Difference
A Kinship mentor is much more than a Volunteer. A Kinship Mentor is a person who takes on the role of mentor, encourager, "god-parent", or friend.
In the early 1990's therapists found that the support from a friend who accepted and encouraged their clients on the road to recovery was the one common ingredient in successful cases. We are all affected by crisis, disappointment, and challenges in life. Sometimes we can overcome these events, but often we need an understanding ear - a giding hand to help us find our ways. WE NEED SOMEONE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Mentors give their time and talents without charge, but their role in the life of the child they are matched with lives on the the heart of that child forever.
Our Clients
Youths, age 5-18, and adults with developmental disabilities are referred to Kinship by many sources. Some of these include: parents, teachers, social workers, law enforcement, friends and clergy. After receiving a referral, Kinship Staff conduct an interview in the family home to see if Kinship mentoring is appropriate.
Our Mentors
Mentors come from all walks of life and all age groups. One characteristic they all have is willingness to be a caring friend and guide. Mentors fill out applications, which include three personal references, a background check, drivers license check, and an interview in their home.
Kinship staff monitor each match with scheduled follow-up contact and meetings according to National Kinship Standards.
The Mentor's friendship is meant to encourage and uplift the child. Activities in which the Mentor and child engage in usually center around their common interests. The activities are not the goal of the program. However, they do often afford an opportunity for new experiences and learning of new skills which the child might not otherwise have. Rather, it is the major goal of these activities to provide a vehicle for the formation of a relationship from which the child may gain guidance, acceptance, and aid in meeting the difficulties of becoming and adult.
One of the greatest values of the Kinship program lies in the personal relationship between the adult and the child and the knowledge on the part of the child someone is interested in them as an individual.
Kinship consists of two main service areas: Youth and Intellectually Delayed Adults
Kinship of Rusk County was formed in 1979 as an outgrowth of several years of previous work by concerned citizens of the county, who determined the need of such a program. Kinship of Rusk County is incorporated with a Board of Directors who are responsible for the operation of the program. Kinship is a non-profit program.
Contact Us:
Indianhead Community Action Agency
209 E. 3rd. St. S.
P.O. Box 40
Ladysmith, Wisconsin
54848
Phone: 715-532-5594 Fax: 715-532-5804 or E-mail
or
Contact: Elva Smith, Director, Kinship