With so many top names from the Twin Cities nonprofit world in one room, it was easy to be impressed at the launch of Minneapolis CARES Mentoring Movement.
The packed event at International Market Square last month was the result of cooperation among the largest local mentoring programs: Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities, Kinship of Greater Minneapolis and Bolder Options. The three groups were brought together by chairman and founder V.J. Smith to form a new organization with the common initial goal of recruiting 1,000 mentors.
"There are enough mentoring agencies, but not enough mentors," Smith said. "Our mission is to bring people out of their homes and out of their busy lives to help a child."
The Minneapolis chapter will hold eight parties a year to find role models for kids who need them, especially African-Americans, who are in the greatest demand.
"It's a call to action, especially to African-Americans to rescue young African-Americans," said National CARES Mentoring Movement founder Susan Taylor, former editor in chief of Essence magazine.
It is the 54th such organization she has helped create since being motivated by post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans. "I'm so inspired by the possibilities here because of the willingness to collaborate," she said.
Sara Glassman • 612-673-7177
