Celebrating 50 Years of Service
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Celebrating 50 Years of Service

Friends, supporters, former and current staff and board members, and community members came together to celebrate a huge milestone in the life of Helping Services – 50 years of service! Started by a group of students with support from faculty at Luther College as the “Trouble Line” and “Hot Line to Help,” the early focus…

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Problem Gambling is a Public Health Concern in Iowa

A lot of us may not realize that problem gambling is a public health concern that continues to rise in Iowa. We may not realize that someone we love and care about may be struggling with it.  Problem gambling is often called the“hidden addiction” because it is so easily disguised from family and friends…until it…

New Prevention Coordinator for Delaware County
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New Prevention Coordinator for Delaware County

My name is Kayla Kraemer and I am the new Prevention Coordinator for Delaware County. I grew up in the Elkader area, and for the past 2 years, I have had the privilege of calling Strawberry Point my home. Most of my friends and family still live in the area, so I am blessed to…

Successful Giving Project
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Successful Giving Project

The 2022 Giving Project was another huge success! The project matches businesses, organizations, families, and individual donors with children of clients that have been assisted by the Domestic Abuse Resource Center. These donors purchase gifts for the families by purchasing items off of wish lists that clients fill out. This year, we were fortunate to…

Holiday Lights Celebrates A Successful 18th Season
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Holiday Lights Celebrates A Successful 18th Season

We want to thank all of the volunteers, sponsors, and visitors that made Holiday Lights a success. Having completed its 18th year, Holiday Lights continues to be a wonderful community event that also serves as Helping Services for Youth & Families’ most important fundraiser. Holiday Lights brought 3563 cars through Pulpit Rock Campground in Decorah,…

NE Iowa Montessori School Donates to 2022 Giving Project

NE Iowa Montessori School Donates to 2022 Giving Project

Thank you to the Northeast Iowa Montessori School that donated to our Giving Project for clients of our Domestic Abuse Resource Center. Pictured are (back, l-r) Val Deenex, parent, Rachael Buresh, head of Northeast Iowa Montessori School, (front, l-r) Ruth K, Eddie M. and Liam K. Helping Services would like to thank everyone who gave…

Holiday Lights Opens on November 23
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Holiday Lights Opens on November 23

We are happy to announce the opening of the 18th annual Holiday Lights event, held at Pulpit Rock Campground in Decorah. Holiday Lights is the organization’s annual fundraiser to support programs to promote healthier and safer families throughout Northeast Iowa.   Thanks to the help of volunteers and sponsors, Holiday Lights will be ready for the…

Youth Groups Swing into Gear as School Year Begins
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Youth Groups Swing into Gear as School Year Begins

This fall, many high school youth groups held their first meeting to discuss their area of focus and plans for the school year. These youth leaders aim to educate on the harm surrounding substance use and provide support to peers by raising awareness for resources available. Each youth group is linked to a statewide movement,…

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Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Helping Services for Youth & Families’ Domestic Abuse Resource Center (DARC) is recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness during the month of October. In Iowa and around the world, October is a month to create awareness around domestic violence, using the color purple to symbolize the cause.  Helping Services’ Domestic Abuse Resource Center advocates work alongside survivors…

Youth Mentoring + Ice Cream = Winning Combination
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Youth Mentoring + Ice Cream = Winning Combination

There are many combinations that just work well together; peanut butter and jelly, mac and cheese, and bread and butter to name a few. A winning local combination is ice cream and kids! This sweet collaboration involves Youth Mentoring at Helping Services for Youth & Families and Sugar Bowl. Every second Thursday of the month,…