JUMP for Kids began in 1989 when former Crossroads of Pella director, Karleen Kos, initiated the idea for a mentoring organization for Pella, Iowa. Karleen’s previous experience with Kinship in Minnesota led her to use their model as she, along with an advisory team, developed a local mentoring organization that was eventually called Kinship of Pella.
In the early years, Kinship of Pella did not have a director and all of the duties were carried out by the volunteer board. In the fall of 2011, after much thought and deliberation, the Kinship of Pella board voted to cut ties with Kinship and become our own independent non-profit organization.
We sought feedback for our new name from the entire Pella community and eventually settled on Journey Up Mentoring of Pella for Kids or JUMP for Kids. JUMP for Kids was established in 2012, and we’re looking forward to writing an exciting new chapter in the history of our organization.
Our vision is to provide successful mentoring relationships for youth, thereby launching them towards better citizenship in their homes, schools and communities.
Our mission is to guide children, who need and want mentors, towards their potential by providing them significant one-on-one relationships with trained adult mentors.
JUMP Goals:
- To provide positive role modeling for youth in Pella
- To create opportunities for children to develop interests, skills and cultural awareness
- To increase opportunities for children to build positive relationships with adults
- To reduce delinquent behavior in youth
- To provide volunteers with a sense of purpose and satisfaction
How?
We train mentors and match them with youth in this community who would benefit from having a significant adult to befriend them and come alongside them. Come join the Journey!
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