Kip the Bear is Pro Kinships’ new mascot. He’s been making the rounds at local events, most recently seen in New Ulm’s Parade of Lights. Kip is sometimes seen sporting a number 88 jersey. The number refers to the year 1988 when Pro Kinship was established.

Pro Kinship’s main goal is to help young people build up self-esteem and improve socialization skills through a mentoring system.

Even though Pro Kinship has been part of the community for over three decades, many people are not familiar with the program.

Program volunteer Lonnie Kotaseck said he has worked with Pro Kinship for three years, but many people are unfamiliar with the organization.

Pro Kinship Director Kari Beran and Kip hand out candy during a trunk-or-treat last Halloween

Kotaseck said the idea for Kip came from a suggestion that Pro Kinship should create a mascot to identify with the organization.

“I was at home at night trying to figure out which kind of mascot and for some reason a teddy bear stuck,” Kotaseck said.

Kip made his debut during New Ulm’s National Night Out celebration at the end of July and the response was positive. That first night, Kip was embraced–both figuratively and literally–by members of the community.

“I did not think it would have the effect it has,” Kotaseck said.

Kip is the only Pro Kinship mascot in the area. There are requests to have him visit other county mentoring programs.

Locally, Kip has made appearances at fishing contests, farmer’s markets and the Pumpkin Smash Demo Derby. He’s even appearing in a series of short stories written by Kotaseck and Breana Winter. There are currently two stories books available, which can be found at the local Pro Kinship office.

Pro Kinship Director Kari Beran said Kip is popular with all ages and brings a smile to many faces.

There is a benefit to having a teddy bear mascot for a mentoring program. The goal of Pro Kinship is to build friendships and relationships with youth. Some of the young people in the program require extra support. A big teddy bear goes a long way to make people feel more comfortable.

Kotaseck said during a visit to the Brown County Fair, a young boy gave his teddy bear to Kip. This boy was having trouble socializing but was able to connect with Kip.

“It makes me feel that maybe we’re doing something right,” Kotaseck said.

In Brown County, there are 103 kids enrolled in Pro Kinship programs. The programs include one-on-one mentoring, academic mentoring and group activities.

The children in the mentoring program come from all types of backgrounds. Many of the kids join ProKinship through referrals. The majority of referrals come from Brown County Family Services, school counselors, teachers and pastors, but applications are available online. Some families seek out applications on their own.

Beran said the program is for any kid who needs extra support in their life. There is no cost to families enrolled in the programs. Pro Kinship is funded through donations, fundraisers and grant writing.

Currently, Pro Kinship has 29 adult mentors in Brown County, but there is always a need for more. Beran said there is currently a waiting list for kids to be matched with a mentor.

Beran said the ideal mentor would be willing to listen because that’s what many kids need: an adult who will listen to them.

“I tell a lot of mentors that you don’t need to plan some big activity,” Beran said. “If you like to fish, bake or garden just do that with a kid.”

Even a mentor who understands video games would be helpful. Beran said kids like talking about games and having a mentor who understands the basics would be a great asset.

Donations to Pro Kinship could be sent to the office at Our Savior’s Lutheran through Southpoint Credit Union’s NetGiver portal.

Kips’ next appearance will be as Santa Claus. Families can come to get photos with Santa Kip from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16 at the New Ulm Dairy Queen. Visitors are encouraged to bring a toy for the charity drive.