Kids & Family

Resident Provides Positive Female Influence Through Kids 'n Kinship

Patch readers told us who the "Everyday Inspirations" in their communities are, and we're sharing their stories and the work they've done locally.

Everyday Inspirations is a series that features people in Patch communities who inspire others through their work, or people who have faced extraordinary situations and grown from them. They have been featured by other people in the community that have been inspired by the nominees.

Name: Jennifer Franta
Town: Apple Valley, MN
Nominated by: Rita Younger

Why is this person an "Everyday Inspiration?" 

Jennifer is an everyday inspiration because she supports a girl who needs guildance. For over four years, and counting, Jennifer has mentored a wonderful girl, now teen, through Kids 'n Kinship.

The girl's dad is very supportive and knew his daughter needed a woman's influence. Jennifer and the girl get together every week and do lots of activities, including going to plays, sports, Jennifer's house, skating and they spend plenty of time talking while cooking or doing crafts. Theirs is an important and loving friendship.

Has the nominee's life been changed in an extraordinary way? 

From Jennifer: "I am not sure that my daily life has changed as much as my thinking has changed since becoming a mentor. I always knew that raising children today does take a village, but I have added to that thought.

I now also believe that it is so important that all little girls have strong women in their lives. These strong women can be their mothers, their aunts, a special
person or a mentor. My mother recently passed away and my mentee who knew
my mother well said to me 'at least you had your mom for 50 years, I only
had mine for three.'

I realized that indeed for 50 years I had the influence of a strong woman in my life and that my mom influenced so many of the decisions that I made through out my life. I realized that growing up without my mom would have made me a different person. I am so honored to be able to be that strong women influence in my mentees life so that as she grows she can make decisions for herself based on what she has seen and experienced with me.

I was not blessed with children of my own but I have always surrounded myself with children and I have been able to be a strong influence in my step-daughter's life, my nieces and now most importantly in my mentees life. This relationship is fulfilling for both us and I am so happy I got involved with Kids - N - Kinship. My mentee made me card awhile ago and this is what she wrote in it, 'You teached me what joy was before you came I was not really anything but now I am so thank you." How can the significance of those words not make me realize how important this relationship is."

How does this person work to make others' lives better?

Jennifer includes the girl in her life, in her families life. She has guided her toward positive decision making, gaining confidence and dealing with life's changes. Jennifer is always optimistic and reliable. She is a successful business woman and chooses to share her time to truly change the life of this girl. 


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