It Takes A Village: Clear Waters Life Center Starts Mentoring Program for Area Youth

As you walk into the old Clearbrook School building, you may hear the sound of volunteers rustling in the thrift store as they work to sort out the mounds of clothing donations they receive from area residents. You'll notice the large, colorful sign above the stairs that says "Youth Connection", which will lead you down to the area designated for a weekly after-school program. As you walk through the halls, you'll pass by a dozen friendly faces of staff who are working fervently to keep a number of programs up and running that are offered by Clear Waters Life Center (CWLC).

Clear Waters Life Center's youth room, located in the
lower level of their Clearbrook location.

In addition to the thrift store and Youth Connection program, CWLC also offers a garden center, furniture shop, adult day services, support groups, art studios, a full-size gym and fitness center, and a men's residential program. Since 2008, CWLC has been led by dedicated staff and continues to work around the clock to create community partnerships and ensure that residents in the Clearbrook-Gonvick area have access to important health and well-being services.

"We wanted to create a place where everyone is welcome and cared for," says Darien Northup, CWLC operational executive director. "We've seen a tremendous response from community members pitching in to volunteer, and have been able to expand our programming thanks to funding from places like the Northwest Minnesota Foundation (NMF)." CWLC is one of five nonprofits going through NMF's Vital Nonprofits training series.

American Ninja Warrior style obstacle course in the CWLC gym.

CWLC recently hired a new program director for the Youth Connection program, Charis Nordlund. Nordlund has experience implementing a mentorship program in her previous career as a church youth director. She brings this experience to CWLC as they plan to launch the new mentoring program.

“A mentorship program gives kids an opportunity to meet and interact with positive role models,” said Nordlund. “We have kids in this community who don’t know what a whole family looks like, so we hope to be able to pair them with mentors who can be an example of what positive relationships look like.” CWLC is currently recruiting mentors to participate in the program and is offering informational sessions to teach adults in the community what it means to be a mentor. Nordlund hopes the outcome of this mentorship program will provide area kids with a better understanding of faith, respect, safety, teamwork, and encouragement.

"It's our vision that this mentoring program will benefit not just the youth, but also the parents, and ultimately create healthier and stronger families," said Becky Dorman, administrative executive director. NMF was able to provide $25,000 in grant funding to support the implementation of this mentoring program, which is set to kick-off in early October.

For more information about CWLC, you can visit their website here.

(From left to right) Nate Dorr (NMF Community Development Program Officer), Darien Northup (CWLC Operational Executive Director), Becky Dorman (CWLC Administrative Executive Director), Charis Nordlund (CWLC Youth Program Director), and Tom Anderson (NMF Board Member).