About

Who are we?

Kinship of Iron County, Inc. is a local organization, a 501(c)(3), serving the youth of Iron County in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan since the early eighties. We are proud of our history.  We have decades of stories of the many successful matches- the lives altered- by our efforts. Most of the people involved in Kinship are volunteers. From our mentors who work one-on-one with our KinKids, to the various volunteers who help us with fundraising, group events and more, to our dedicated board of directors. We are of this community and for this community.

Of course, we cannot do what we do without the continued support of our community. Our thanks go out to each and every one of you for every dollar, every hour, every effort you have made to help the youth of Iron County to a brighter future.

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Carol Foskuhl is the current Program Coordinator for Kinship of Iron County. She also serves as Executive Director for S.N.A.A.P. (Special Needs Are Awesome People), a social club serving disabled adults in Iron County. She has lived in Iron County since 2012 and spent most summers visiting her grandparents during the summers growing up. Her extended family were so instrumental in her life and taught her how to be a person of integrity. She has been married to her husband Brian for 28 years and is a mother to 3 adults. She has previously worked as a daycare teacher for their before and after care with elementary students for 10 years, a pre-school teacher for 3-year-olds for 8 years and was also an afterschool program director for 2 years for k-6th graders. She worked at an inner-city ministry called BBC (Backyard Bible Clubhouse) for almost 10 years, where she worked with both children and teens. She was a CNA and worked as a home health aide for 7 years in Iron County. She has a servant’s heart. She currently works as a teacher at the Mission Bible Training Camp. She loves music, swimming, and anywhere with a beach.

Scott Westphal has called Iron County home since 2002. He has been involved in Kinship of Iron County since 2005. He has been a mentor, board member, and now he is President and Co-Chairman. He actively volunteers and supports several other non-profit entities; predominantly those who support Iron County Youth. He is currently the VP of Wildlife Unlimited of Iron County and is instrumental in Iron County’s Youth Hunt every year. Scott is an avid hunter and fisherman who loves camping and supporting the community he lives in. He has a heart for the youth in our community and believes strongly in the results of mentorship. Scott lost his own father at a young age. A neighbor took him under his wing and taught him woodsmen skills and important lessons about being a responsible member of society. Scott knows firsthand what a difference a good mentor brings to the life of youth. Scott attributes his own strong moral compass to his friend and mentor.

Lisa Woods is a mostly retired 911 Emergency Dispatcher and retired Kinship Coordinator. She is currently Kinship’s Secretary and a Kinship Board member and advisor to Carol Foskuhl in Carol’s coordinator position. Lisa lives in Iron River City with her husband Tim, dog Rusty, and cat Tyrus.

Jim Quayle is a retired Thrivent Advisor. He also is retired from being an EMT. He currently serves as Kinship’s Treasurer and as a Board Member.

Stacey Donati is an Iron County native and retired Healthcare Professional for 30+ years. She was a Kinship mentor for 5 years and along with her husband adopting her Kinkid after he was left without parents. Stacy enjoys her family, many pets, and hobbies too numerous to mention. She volunteers at the Northwoods Animal Shelter and is a current Board member there, as well as Co-Chair of the Kinship of Iron County.

Sharon Stockero-Ryden is on Kinship Board Member at Large. She is presently retired. She was the West Iron County Superintendent 1992-1999, and she was a Forest Park Teacher from 1965-1985. Presently retired from MDE Field Services Consultant. Iron County Historical Society Museum Board Member. Museum Endowment Board Member. Regional Director MARSP (MI Association Retired School Personnel).

Scott Bjork has been on the Kinship Board Member at Large for 15+ years. He is married to his wife Kim, and they are longtime residents of Iron County. He has been employed by the Department of Health and Human Services for the past 9 years. He received his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from NMU. He enjoys hunting, fishing, golfing, and spending time with his Golden Retriever, Saima.

Curt Harrington is currently City of Iron River’s Police Chief. He serves on the Kinship Board as a Member at Large.

Gale Cerney is a retired from West Iron County. Now she is a professional volunteer for Kinship Board as a Member at Large, Iron County Museum, Women Who Wine, North Point Stakeholders Comm. RSVP Committee, and St. Vincent Food Pantry.

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Kinship, Inc: our parent organization

Kinship, Inc. is a private, nonprofit organization that believes in and promotes the concept of youth mentoring. The National Kinship office exists to serve as a resource for established and emerging local Kinship affiliates. Currently, the Kinship Affiliate Network is made up of 30+ affiliates located in the upper Midwest, having established mentoring relationships for nearly 1,800 of today’s youth.

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