Who We Are

Kinship is a non-profit organization that has served Richland & Wilkin Counties since 1982 by providing mentoring relationships and opportunities to youth in our community.

For the first twenty years, Kinship was a volunteerism program under Wahpeton Parks & Recreation. With the support of the community, we have become our own 501(c)3 and are members of the Kinship, Inc National Affiliate Network, with two part-time employees. Kinship is financially run with the help of grants, donations, and fundraisers.

With the help of the community’s commitment to our youth, to date, we have serves over 396 local youth through direct mentoring matches. We also host monthly activities to matched and waiting youth, a Kinship4Teens Independent Living Skills group, and our newest venture – Kinship Lunch Buddies, a school-based mentoring program.

Our Approach

Our Mission

Our mission is to improve lives by establishing quality relationships between youth and caring mentors for the purpose of promoting stability, support, friendship and community.

Our Vision

Our goal is to help children thrive in their environment by encouraging a healthy lifestyle, develop coping skills, and build self-esteem. Our team of mentors are here to help a child achieve their potential and grow into a successful adult. Mentoring is providing protective and preventative factors for youth!

Mentoring Works!

Youth who meet regularly with a mentor are:

46% less likely than their peers to start using illegal drugs
27% less likely to start drinking
52% less likely to skip school
81% more likely to participate regularly in sports or extracurricular activities.