Community Mentor Connection, a program of Success Through Adults Reaching Students (STARS), recently received a grant from the Kenneth W. Olson Charitable Foundation Fund of Minnesota Community Foundation.

“We are so pleased to receive this grant. It will be used to continue providing volunteer mentors to youth in Freeborn County,” said Carolyn Smith, program coordinator. “Many families are under stress due to economic and social conditions today and the need for mentors is great.”

Mentors are volunteers from the community who are willing to develop a relationship of trust with a child or teenager by spending time with them frequently and consistently. Mentors and their mentees are free to plan their own activities according to the mutual interests and Community Mentor Connection also offers group activities throughout the year.

More volunteer mentors are needed. If you are interested in learning more, contact Carolyn Smith at 877-232-8399 or starsforkids@yahoo.com.