Jonah's Fundraiser for Mentor North

  I became involved with Mentor North back in 2025. I was incredibly burnt out from work, so Lily and I planned a long camping trip across the Upper Peninsula that evolved into a secret elopement. While we were there, I'd realized how insignificant all my stressors were, and how much more there was to life than work. I made a vow that when I was back in Duluth, I'd find something to put my energy into that wasn't work. Something that mattered. I didn't have to look long.
  When Lily and I had returned to Duluth, and were getting our marriage tattoos done by the incredibly talented and wonderful Summit Kuehn, she mentioned to me that I should look into mentoring.  Summit and I talked about her experience, and I realized this was exactly what I was looking for. I went back to work a day later than I'd intended, and spent the next day applying.
  My first match didn't workout. I struggled in silence for a while, but when my Program Advocate clocked that I was having a hard time, she offered me all the support I needed to end that match. She assured me there were many kids who were in need of a Mentor, and if my current mentee wasn't embracing all of the effort I was putting into our match, we should find someone who would.
  I got matched with Kayden this summer (I actually got the email while Lily and I were celebrating our anniversary, back in the UP). Him and I became close very quickly. Something he said early on I'll never forget was, "You have swords? Like, real swords? I think this is more than a mentorship. I think we just became best friends." He wasn't wrong. 
  Whether I'm sweating bullets trying to keep up at the trampoline park or we're running errands, Kayden and I are having a blast. He is such a kind, intelligent, thoughtful young kid. I want to help him embrace the tenderness  and love in his heart in a world that encourages young men to be hardy and cruel. Kayden is a great kid, and I never would've met him if it weren't for Mentor North putting us into each other's lives. I should probably get back to filling out the template; I could talk about Kayden forever. I'll add some pictures here too.

  When I think about the work of Mentor North, I am most excited about the direct impact it has on kids in our city, and how it fosters a community that does so much good. Our work feels more essential than ever because there are so many kids who are waiting for people like me (and you 👀) to step into their lives and be positive, consistent role models. I know Mentoring Matters because I can see the difference I make in Kayden's life every time I see him, and I know those around me can see a positive difference in me since I got matched with Kayden. I've learned and grown a lot from Mentoring, and I like to think I've taught Kayden more than rock skipping. 

For 2026 I am part of the Mentor North Every Thread Counts Campaign - with the goal to raise $35,000 because together we can make more mentoring possible!  

More caring adults. More connected youth. Stronger community.

So give monthly or give one time in any amount - both are needed!  

With your recurring or one-time donation, Mentor North will work to ensure that every local youth has opportunities to gain life skills, try new things, develop meaningful interests and engage with their community through 1 on 1 mentorships. Mentoring, at its core, guarantees young people that someone cares about them, assures them they are not alone in dealing with day-to-day challenges, and makes them feel like they matter.  Being in a mentoring relationship builds social connection, improved self worth, confidence, mental and physical well-being for mentors and youth alike. 

Resilience Builders - Please consider joining me as one of our Resilience Builders by choosing an automated monthly donation!  This will enable your partnership with Mentor North to benefit youth, families and community year round.  Think of it like a subscription to making the world a better place! 

Every Donation matters - Have you been looking for a way to do something that makes a real difference, and show youth there is love, joy, and a positive future for each and every one of them? Will you donate today to ensure local youth have one more caring adult in their life?