The benefits of having and being a mentor

Many adults can think back to a time when someone other than their close family took an interest in them, taught them a new skill or maybe helped them through an emotionally tough patch. 

Mentors can play an important role in a young person’s life, especially children who may not have a lot of adult support or guidance. Sometimes they can make the difference between thriving and just surviving.  

MPR News guest host Chris Farrell talks with two people who head up organizations that match young people with caring adults. 

And, if you’re looking for a mentor or want to be one, check out the Mentoring Connector at MENTOR Minnesota.

Guests: 

• Darrell Thompson is a former professional football player and president of Bolder Options, a nonprofit organization that matches children ages 10 to 14 with adult mentors in Minneapolis, St. Paul and Rochester.   

• Susan Basil King is president and CEO at Wallin Education Partners in St. Paul, a nonprofit organization that provides scholarships and advising for low-income and first-generation college students.  

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.

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