MENTOR Minnesota recruits caring adults to help introduce a child to new ideas and opportunities through mentoring. Here’s one of the kids who could use a mentor’s help.

First name: Derrek

Age: 10

Interests: Derrek is a talkative, active fourth-grader. He loves Minecraft, Nerf wars, playing with Legos.

Personality/Characteristics: His mom is seeking a mentor for Derrek as he can be shy and is struggling making connections with his peers. He is on the spectrum, but is very high functioning. He also needs someone who can be predictable and patient. He is looking for a friend who will ride bikes, build Legos with or someone who can be a superhero with me. He describes himself as funny, active, and determined.

Goals/dreams: When he grows up he wants to be a police officer or SWAT officer. His three wishes would be to: 1) grow taller 2) Nerf toys 3) Have my own PS4 He loves his pets so a mentor with animals is a plus!

For more information: Derrek is waiting for a mentor through Kids n’ Kinship in Dakota County. To learn more about this agency, contact Kids n’ Kinship at www.kidsnkinship.org or 952-892-6368. For more information about mentoring, contact MENTOR MN at 612-399-0222 or check its online list of mentoring programs at mentormn.org under “Get Involved” and drop down to “Find a Program.”