April 2025 is Child Abuse Prevention Month

April 2025 is Child Abuse Prevention Month

April is recognized as Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month. Pinwheels are used to symbolize childhood joy and playfulness. It symbolizes the child-like whimsy and lightheartedness of a child, a vision that all children should be able to grow up happy, healthy, and prepared to succeed in supportive families and communities.  Wear Blue Friday April 4th,…

2025 National Mentoring Month

Youth Mentoring Celebrates National Mentoring Month

Throughout January, Youth Mentoring has celebrated National Mentoring Month by honoring mentoring friendships and inviting others to get involved in their community by becoming involved in mentoring. Research shows that mentors play a powerful role in providing youth with the tools to make positive choices, attend and engage in school, and reduce or avoid negative…

Gabby Schuman Delaware/Fayette Mentoring Coordinator
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Gabby Schuman joins Delaware/Fayette Mentoring Program

Hello, my name is Gabby Schuman. I recently graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in Nonprofit Management. I’m thrilled to begin my career as the next Delaware County/Southern Fayette Mentoring Coordinator in August. I have a passion for youth and their development, so I believe it will be the perfect fit….

Whitney, Prevention Coordinator
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Welcome Whitney Troendle, Prevention Coordinator!

Hey! My name is Whitney and I was recently hired as a Prevention Coordinator with Helping Services.  A little about myself, I’m a Mom of 2 courageous and outgoing kids and live on a farm here in Winneshiek County. I have chosen career paths that give me the opportunity to help and serve my community for…

Mentoring 2024 Loggers Game

A Home Run for Youth Mentoring: An Unforgettable Day at the Baseball Game

Our mentors and mentees enjoyed a sunny afternoon at the Loggers ballpark in LaCrosse, WI on Friday, June 19th. Our youth mentoring program hit it out of the park with an incredible event that combined the excitement of baseball with the power of mentorship. Everyone enjoyed the bus ride conversations and the delicious food at…

Kristy W Family Educator welcome

Meet Kristy Wirkler, Our Newest Family Educator!

Hello! My name is Kristy Wirkler and I was recently hired as a Family Educator for Clayton County. I have worked in the early childhood field since 2006 – my roles over the years have included assistant Head Start teacher, lead Head Start teacher, and Head Start center manager. I grew up on small farm…

Lori Barry – Community Empowerment
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Lori Barry – Community Empowerment

Community Empowerment was established by Legislation during the 1998 session to create a partnership between communities and state government, emphasizing improving the well-being of families with young children. Community empowerment areas enabled local citizens to lead collaborative efforts involving education, health, and human services programs for children, families, and other citizens residing in the area….