As of June 30, Iowa’s helpline for quitting tobacco use will no longer offer callers free nicotine patches and gum. Faced with budget cuts, the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has decided to focus on maintaining Quitline Iowa’s free counseling services.

When Iowans call the Quitline, counselors help them understand the underlying . . . → Read More: Quitline Iowa to Discontinue Free Patches, Gum]]> Free counseling services will continue

As of June 30, Iowa’s helpline for quitting tobacco use will no longer offer callers free nicotine patches and gum. Faced with budget cuts, the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has decided to focus on maintaining Quitline Iowa’s free counseling services.

When Iowans call the Quitline, counselors help them understand the underlying reasons for smoking and how to break the habits that make it so difficult to quit. Together, these insights can more than double one’s chances of successfully quitting tobacco use. Since 2008, nearly 54,300 Iowans have called 1-800-QUIT-NOW to work with quit coaches to develop and execute personalized, long-term plans for quitting tobacco use. Approximately 27,450 of those callers have taken advantage of Quitline Iowa’s nicotine replacement patches and gum.

A wide variety of quit aids, including nicotine replacement products, are available through retailers such as local pharmacies. Most sell a two-week supply for about $25—considerably less than the cost of just one week’s supply of cigarettes to a pack-a-day smoker. 

For more information, call Helping Services at 563-387-1720 or Quitline Iowa at 1-800-784-8669 (1-800-QUIT-NOW) or visit www.quitlineiowa.org.

 A simple call to Quitline Iowa at 1-800-QUIT-NOW will get you . . . → Read More: Use Available Resource to Help You Quit Smoking]]> Spring has sprung. Have you started your garden, planned a weekend camping trip with the family, prepared the lawn mower for its first run, and successfully quit smoking? Don’t make smoking the last priority on your list.  There are resources out there to help you succeed!

 A simple call to Quitline Iowa at 1-800-QUIT-NOW will get you the information you need at no cost and will guide you on your way to a healthy lifestyle. People need to take their own approach, but coming up with a plan, working with a coach, and taking advantage of nicotine replacement medication can increase your success rate significantly.

 For more details regarding Quitline Iowa please contact Helping Services at 563-387-1720 or www.helpingservices.org.

We all know that . . . → Read More: “Pictures for Prevention”]]>  “Pictures for Prevention” is a collection of drawings and paintings by children illustrating the exciting, fun and special moments they share with their families.  By capturing and displaying this youthful energy, “Pictures for Prevention” works to prevent child abuse by building and strengthening the fundamental unit that makes up our communities, its families. 

We all know that life can get busy and stressful, but this collection of artwork aims to remind parents and community members both of the importance of and joy that stems from families spending quality time together.  This joy is brightly shown on the faces of children as they proudly exclaim, “This is what my family does together” or “I remember when we did this together.”

When families spend quality time together, relationships are strengthened and memories are formed.  Children also learn how to communicate their feelings and adults become “askable”.  This means when these familial bonds are nurtured, children are more likely to talk to their families about the good and difficult things that are happening in their lives.

A study by the Search Institute found a set of 40 assets that kids need as they grow.  The assets were divided into two groups external and internal.  External assets are things like family support, positive family communication and adult role models.  The internal assets are things like honesty, responsibility and self-esteem.  These assets work together to weave a web of positive support for the child.  Researchers found that as the number of assets in a child’s life increase they are less likely to experience abuse or engage in abusive behavior. It also concluded the average young person experiences fewer than half of the 40 assets he or she needs.

Pictures for Prevention works to nurture a child’s pride in their self, pride in their family and also a sense of belonging.  All of these are assets which kids need as they grow and learn in their families and communities.

 Imagine how proud parents will feel when they see their own child proudly displaying not only what makes their family special and unique, but more importantly what makes it their own.  “Pictures for Prevention” gives kids a chance to say what is important and meaningful to them.

In building relationships, we can work to prevent the abuse of children.  Come and view your child’s art work in the “Pictures for Prevention” display.

Karsten Snitker
AmeriCorps, Prevent Child Abuse (PCA) Iowa
Helping Services for Northeast Iowa

Helping Services’ Karsten Snitker says the pinwheel displays at the Winneshiek County Courthouse, the Helping Services offices, and at Mabe’s and the Whippy Dip are meant to be a more subtle approach to . . . → Read More: Local display increases awareness of child abuse prevention]]> April is Child Abuse Prevention month.  This year Helping Services of Northeast Iowa is using some eye-catching displays to raise awareness of the issue.

Helping Services’ Karsten Snitker says the pinwheel displays at the Winneshiek County Courthouse, the Helping Services offices, and at Mabe’s and the Whippy Dip are meant to be a more subtle approach to the issue.

Snitker says there is a website, www.pcaiowa.org, with information about child abuse statistics for Iowa.

Prevent Child Abuse Iowa website

Pinwheel display at Winneshiek County Courthouse

Winneshiek Country Courthouse

Pinwheels at Helping Services offices

Where:  Decorah, Iowa – Stone Ridge Church, 1111 Montgomery St. When:  April 17, 2010 – 2-4 pm

Where:  Cresco, Iowa – Cresco Fitness Center – 316 3rd Ave. East When: April 24, 2010 – 2-4 pm

The event offers a fun atmosphere for community organizations to connect with families and . . . → Read More: Family Fun Fair Connects Families with Resources]]> The Annual Family Fun Fair will be held in two northeast Iowa locations.

Where:  Decorah, Iowa – Stone Ridge Church, 1111 Montgomery St.
When:  April 17, 2010 – 2-4 pm

Where:  Cresco, Iowa – Cresco Fitness Center – 316 3rd Ave. East
When: April 24, 2010 – 2-4 pm

The event offers a fun atmosphere for community organizations to connect with families and showcase their services.  Families will be able to learn about helpful resources from area agencies while enjoying fun activities with their kids.  The  fair is a great chance to learn how to build a safer and more nurturing community for children.

Participating Agencies

Winneshiek County FFF

NEICAC

-          Head Start

-          Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)

-          Health Services

HAWC partnerships for children

Toys go ‘round

Lutheran Services of Iowa

Mid- Iowa home therapy

Social work Association (SWA), Luther College

Healing Hands Reflexology

Oneota Coop

Community Circle of Care

KDEC 100.5

Other additions for the Howard county Family Fun Fair:

Cresco Medical Clinic (they are still looking for a volunteer to run booth)

Kessel Kids

Oak Creek Dental

As a way to . . . → Read More: Sexual Assault Awareness Month Activities Planned]]> April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) and we are very excited at Helping Services and in the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Resource Center to be bringing the issue of sexual violence to the forefront in our service area.  This year the national theme for SAAM is “Preventing Sexual Violence on Campus”. 

As a way to promote this theme, we are excited to present Mock Sexual Assault Trials on the three College campuses located in our five county service area.  The mock trials offer the audience a unique opportunity to witness the intricacies of a sexual assault trial.  This includes victim and witness testimony, attorney presentation of the case, and deliberation of the jury.  The twelve person jury is randomly selected from the audience and asked to listen to the case, deliberate, and return with a verdict.  We end the Mock Trial with an open forum for the audience to ask questions and to facilitate a discussion among those directly involved in the trial. 

We are especially fortunate to have four attorneys willing to donate their services for the Mock Trials making the experience as true to life as possible.  The attorneys involved include Barrett Gipp and Bekah Krueger from Decorah, Jeremiah White from West Union, and Nathan Lein from Oelwein.  We are grateful for the combined experience that they will bring to these trials.

We hope to bring the issue of Sexual Violence to the public and offer some explanation regarding why it is difficult for victims to report this crime, victim blaming that occurs during the investigation and trials, and difficulty in coming to a verdict when the issue is “he said, she said”.  The mock trials involve a date rape involving alcohol use making it even more difficult to rely on witness testimonies of the events as they are presented.  Each trial lasts approximately one hour with question and answer period to follow.

The trials will be open to college students and the public to attend as space allows.  The trials are scheduled as follows:

April 7^th—Luther College, Olin 102 at 7p.m.

April 14^th—Upper Iowa University, East Cafeteria at 7p.m.

April 22^nd—Northeast Iowa Community College, Wilder Auditorium at 12:20p.m.

We are hopeful that you may be able to attend one or more of these events.  We often get different verdicts from each jury, so it may be insightful to attend more than one of the trials.   Please feel free to contact Mindy at Helping Services if you have any questions or would like to help with these events.  She can be reached at (563) 387-1720 or mmyers@helpingservices.org. 

In addition to the Mock Trials, the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Resource Center will be distributing table tents with information regarding sexual violence and the use of alcohol.  Watch for these in area businesses and restaurants.  Thank you for your support of this and the many other programs provided by Helping Services!  For more information please visit our website at www.helpingservices.org.

Mock Trials at Upper Iowa University

Mock Trials at Luther College

Did you know an adult male smoker loses an average of 13 years of his life; while an adult female smoker loses 14 years of her life?

Did you know . . . → Read More: Annual Kick Butts Day March 24, 2010]]> Did you know each day about 3,500 kids under the age of 18 try smoking for the first time and another 1,000 kids become new regular daily smokers?

Did you know an adult male smoker loses an average of 13 years of his life; while an adult female smoker loses 14 years of her life?

Did you know Kick Butts Day is on Wednesday, March 24^th and is an annual national event that brings tobacco awareness to community members all across the county?

The goal of Kick Butts Day is to “empower youth to stand out, speak up, and seize control against Big Tobacco with fun, education activities and events.” This year, JEL (Just Eliminate Lies) students in area schools will contribute to the annual Kick Butts Day event.

To get involved with or hear more about Kick Butts Day please visit www.kickbuttsday.org or contact Marilyn at mzweibahmer@helpingservices.org or by phone at (563) 387-1720.

This survey is a great resource for the Fayette . . . → Read More: Iowa Youth Survey Shows Shocking Results]]> Every three years, 6^th, 8^th and 11^th grade students throughout Iowa are asked to participate in the Iowa Youth Survey. This is a confidential survey that measures student’s behaviors, attitudes and beliefs. Topics include but are not limited to peer relationships, family relationships, community climate and school expectations.

This survey is a great resource for the Fayette County Substance Abuse Coalition. “Having the ability to accurately measure our area student’s perceptions on substance abuse is a valuable tool. It allows us to understand the issues of concern for our area youth.” states Katie Bee, Fayette County Substance Abuse Coalition facilitator.

A topic of interest for the Fayette County Substance Abuse Coalition is student’s perceptions of alcohol. One question asked by the Iowa Youth Survey is, “How old were you (if ever) when you had your first drink (more than a few sips) of alcohol (beer, wine or liquor)?”  23% of 11^th graders in Fayette County reported having their first drink at the age of 13 or 14.

If you think this is a startling statistic and want to help educate the public on the negative side effects of substance use, then come join us at the upcoming Fayette County Substance Abuse Coalition meeting.

The next Fayette County Substance Abuse Coalition meeting will be on Wednesday, January 27^th beginning at 4:00. The meeting will be held in the ICN room of the Fayette Community Library. All Fayette County residents are encouraged to attend this meeting and help make their communities healthier and safer places to live.

To hear more about the Fayette County Substance Abuse Coalition or to reserve your space at the meeting please call (563) 387-1720, ext. 104.

    The pair has experienced . . . → Read More: Mentoring program helps people enjoy the simple things in life]]> CRESCO – For Derrick Andersen, a sophomore at Crestwood High School, knowing his mentor Gene Koschmeder has brought plenty of fun and guidance into his life. The two have been participating in the mentoring program out of the Helping Services for Northeast Iowa for about three years now—enjoying every step along the way.

    The pair has experienced many activities together, including fishing, rock climbing, sledding and even go-karting. While Andersen says his favorite activity has been bowling, Koschmeder has really taken to the car shows.

    But aside from all the fun activities, mentoring can bring so much more out of life. “I get a chance to do things that I enjoyed while I was growing up—and still do enjoy,” said Koschmeder. “Mentoring keeps me young, and I can make a difference doing something right here in my community.”  

    For Andersen, he says the value that he sees in the mentoring program is as simple as having a good friend that he looks up to, along with just having fun. He also says the best part of the program, for him, has been meeting his mentor. “He’s there when I need him,” Andersen said.  

    Koschmeder says he values just being able to talk with his mentee, adding that he has learned from Andersen, as well. “[He has taught me] to slow down and just enjoy the little things, and that you can make a difference,” said Koschmeder. “I’d encourage more people to get involved as a mentor. It’s something you can do right here in your community.”

    Koschmeder offers advice for those who want to become involved in the mentoring program: “It’s easy, there are many planned group activities and events throughout the year. It’s well-structured and the guidelines are well-outlined, so it’s safe and enjoyable.”

    This year, the month of January marks the eighth annual National Mentoring Month, which is celebrated throughout the United States. In recognition of this, the Howard County Board of Supervisors will sign a proclamation deeming January 2010 as National Mentoring Month for Howard County. The signing will take place in the County Board of Supervisor’s room in the Howard County Courthouse on Jan. 18 at 10:30 a.m. Anyone in support of mentoring is welcome and encouraged to attend the signing of the proclamation.

    Those interested in becoming involved in the mentoring program are invited to contact Katy Schwartzhoff at Helping Services for Northeast Iowa, Inc. at 563-387-1720 ext. 108 or visit www.helpinservices.org. Mentors and mentees typically meet for four to five hours each month and matches are made through identifying similar interests between the youth and the mentor.

This article was written by the Times Plains Dealer Editor, Keri Bugenhagen