Kinship, Inc. Names New Executive Director, Charts Ambitious Growth Course

Kevin Stirtz, a former business owner and nonprofit executive, has been named the new executive director of Kinship, Inc.

“We feel that Kevin is an ideal fit for the position,” Kinship Inc. Board President Dan Johnson said. “He has both a background in nonprofit work and business along with a keen interest in mentoring.”

Stirtz will take over the helm of one of Minnesota's largest youth mentoring programs. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Kinship, Inc. has affiliates that serve 75 cities in seven states in the Upper Midwest. Currently the organization mentors 1800 kids every week.

“This is an exciting time to be involved in youth mentoring,” said Stirtz. “Across our nation we're seeing people from all corners of society get involved. From President Bush to the president of the local chamber of commerce, people are seeing the incredible power youth mentoring has to address many social challenges.”

Kinship has recently gained national recognition for their mentoring program. In October, one of Kinship's kids, Michaela Huberty, met with First Lady Laura Bush when she was asked to speak at the at the White House Conference on Helping America's Youth in Washington, DC.

Part of the reason Stirtz was hired is to lead Kinship, Inc. into a period of growth. Since there are many kids on waiting lists for mentors, Kinship, Inc. plans to substantially increase their capacity over the next few years.

Stirtz is leading the charge by bringing the youth mentoring “story” to the business community.

“It makes sense to partner with businesses because, in the long term, our goals are the same,” he said. “Successful businesses need healthy employees and healthy communities. Effective youth mentoring helps achieve both.”

Organizations like Kinship have found that in addition to helping kids, youth mentoring has many positive benefits for parents, employers, schools and communities in general.

“It's simple. When kids do better, we all do better,” said Stirtz.

Stirtz is a graduate of the University of Minnesota and lives with his wife in Burnsville, MN

Kinship, Inc. is a 501c3 nonprofit headquartered in Minneapolis. Learn more about Kinship at www.KinshipInc.org or call 612-588-4655 ext 255. Kevin Stirtz can be reached directly at 952-212-4681 or kevins@kinshipinc.org.