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Anita Helmich has been named executive director of Emmet County Kinship, effective early this month.

Helmich is an Armstrong native and a graduate of Buena Vista University Lakes & Prairies Center with a degree in elementary education. She received her master's degree from Southwest State University in Marshall.

While attending college, Helmich worked at Forest Ridge as a youth counselor and administrative assistant. She taught third and fourth grades in Fairmont, Minn., for nine years. She also worked for the Targeted Services after-school program in Fairmont, a program for at-risk students.

"I would like to definitely increase the number of mentors" in Emmet County Kinship, Helmich said. Kinship is particularly looking for male mentors for children in the program.

Helmich and her husband, Nick, have two daughters, Ella, 4 1/2, and Ava, 2 1/2.

Kinship matches caring adult role models with youth for companionship, activities and guidance. To learn more about Kinship mentor opportunities, call 362-2828.