Northland Joins National Mentoring Month

January is National Mentoring Month – making it a perfect time to impact a young person’s life in a positive way.

FOX 21’s Kendra Sommer takes a look at several programs to do just that right here in the Northland.

The Mentor Duluth program builds bonds between children and adults, and has been going strong for 75 years.

“Eight-and-half million kids in our country who do not have caring adults in their lives,” said Kasey Ladd, the director of Child and Family Services.

Mentor Duluth is a collaborative of seven different organizations.

“Sometimes in our area that invaluable adult is coming through Mentor Duluth or the Boys and Girls Clubs,” said Ladd.

One of the main goals of the program is to provide a safe haven for children to talk and cultivate personal growth.

Revolves around three priority outcomes academic success, character and leadership development and healthy lifestyles,” said Todd Johnson, with the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Northland.

The program encourages education beyond high school, too.

“To regulate their feelings, form a relationship with available caregivers or to have the safety to explore their environment,” Ladd said.

Volunteers with Mentor Duluth are required to commit 8 to 10 hours a month.

“A lot of people do it because their kids are grown and have left home and they have the free time,” Johnson said.

If you’d like to become a Mentor Duluth volunteer, click here.