CLIO — A cause near and dear to the newly elected Marlboro County Councilman Adrian Kinney’s heart is the Who Cares Mentoring and Summer Program he helped established this year. Kinney says he believes every child and every voice matters and he wants area youth to know adults in Marlboro are serious about its future.
“I started the mentor part in March of this year. It ran from March to May. We started the summer program at the beginning of June, and it ended July 2,” Kinney said.
About the Program
“Who Cares Mentoring & Summer Program is a faith-based program that fosters a safe, positive, and fun learning environment for youth ages 6–18 years old,” Kinney explains, adding, “Our mission is to help young people grow spiritually, socially, academically, and emotionally through mentorship, life-skills training, educational activities, and character-building experiences. We strive to empower youth to make positive choices, develop leadership skills, and build confidence while learning in a supportive and caring atmosphere.”
Kinney says this is accomplished through teaching faith-based principles, highlighting positive role models, offering engaging activities, and community involvement. Participants are encouraged to reach their full potential and become productive leaders in their homes, schools, churches, and communities by utilizing lessons learned through the program.
According to Kinney, the annual program focuses on faith, character development, mentoring, leadership skills, academic enrichment, life skills training, team building activities, community service opportunities, fellowship, health and wellness information, and of course, lots of fun!
Kinney says the goal is to “inspire and equip youth to become confident, responsible, and compassionate leaders who make a positive impact in their communities. Our motto is simple, here “Everybody is somebody. No one gets left behind.”
“What a joy and a pleasure to see the youth enjoying life, says Kinney, continuing, “They have learned the ten commandments, the Lord’s prayer and other great Bible stories. They also painted, played water sports and enjoyed other fun activities. Last stop for the last week will be Toy Story 5.”
Thanking the people who make it possible
In addition to thanking the parents for allowing their children to take part in this one-of-a-kind rare opportunity, Kinney says the summer program could not happen without the hard work and dedication of several: Teshia Hailey, RaRa McCoy, Mae Woods, Antoinette Parnell Balfour, Stephanie Thompson McCoy, Valerie McLain, Sandra Stubbs, Krystal Hayes Dimery, as well as many others. For more information on the Who Care’s Mentorship Program, Councilman Kinney can be reached at 704-301-9767.
Encouraging Clio to get active
Kinney doesn’t limit his concern to Marlboro County youth; he has also initiated several positive events for the community including a recent gun rally and a new project: getting Clio active.
With this goal in mind, Kinney laced up his walking shoes and is now encouraging his neighbors in Marlboro to join him in doing the same. Every Thursday, residents can gather at Clio Elementary School to walk the track. Originally planned to start at 6 p.m., Kinney says he has decided to push the time back to 7 p.m., citing a desire to keep residents out of the heat and allow for people to get home from work and in their active wear.
“Undertaking this initiative is important to me because our focus should be on strengthening the body at all ages and sizes. Walking together offers a chance for community connection, hopefully leading to the building and strengthening of relationships within our community while also offering a chance for networking,” Kinney explained, adding, “We are working together and seeking the best to build up the Town of Clio.”
Equally dedicated to improving Clio, Mayor Adam Pate also came out to show his support and get walking.
He said, “I had a great time walking with the residents of Clio. Let’s all invite a friend for next week.”