Helping Services For Youth & Families

Youth Mentoring

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Game Night & Potluck

Be sure to join us for a potluck followed by a variety of fun games on Monday, January 14. Mentors, mentees, Mentors For A Day are invited to attend.

  • 6:00 p.m: Meet at Our Savior Lutheran Church, SONshine Center to enjoy the potluck.
  • A variety of soups, table service, and condiments provided.
  • All mentors are asked to provide a dish to share.
  • 6:30 p.m: Fun games will begin.

The evening will be filled with games and more games. If you have a favorite game that you would like to bring, feel free to do so (please have your name on it so they do not get misplaced). This is a great way for mentoring matches to meet others and have a friendly competition.

 

All mentees should be accompanied by their mentor or a Mentor For A Day. It will be very important to have the right amount of food for everyone, so you must RSVP. Requests for Mentors For A Day and RSVP’s must be made by, Friday, January 11. See you for some food and games!

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Proclamation Signing Delaware County

Help us spread the word! National Mentoring Month is a time to acknowledge mentoring and the effect it has on youth. Our goal is to also raise awareness of the momentousness of mentoring, and to encourage volunteers to team up with someone else, such as a spouse or friend.

Proclamations will be signed by the County Board of Supervisors, mentoring staff and mentoring supporters. Mentors, mentees, parents of mentees, Mentoring Steering Committee members, and mentoring friends are encouraged to attend. Join us Monday, January 7, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. in the Manchester Courthouse.

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Harman Realty supports Youth Mentoring

Harman Realty supports Youth Mentoring with a check for  $1350. 

Every year, Harman Realty supports many worthy causes in the area. During the month of November through February, realtors at Harman Realty donated part of their commission to a cause that is designated by the sellers. Youth Mentoring is the proud recipient of these funds to be used to support the youth who need and have mentors in the area. 

 

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2017 Annual Report/Newsletter

 

Jump to Annual Report/Newsletter

Dedication – check!

Hard work – check!

Great team – check!

For fear of sounding boastful, our team at Helping Services fits the above description – plus more! Full- and part-time staff, AmeriCorps members, board members, interns, volunteers, and donors work every single day to ensure programs are delivered to families and youth who need them.

I invite you to take a break from your busy day and spend a few minutes glancing through photos and reading through the success stories at Helping Services over the past year. Of course, YOU are also part of this team – when you learn about a program and share your knowledge with a friend, extend an event invitation to a neighbor, or make a donation to support the cause.

Thank you for doing your part in the mission to help youth and families throughout Northeast Iowa live safer and healthier lives. Your continued support is needed and appreciated.

—Carson Eggland, Executive Director
563-387-1720 | ceggland@helpingservices.org

Image: High School youth at Camp EWALU. Every year we invite youth groups to Camp EWALU to focus on tobacco-use prevention.

[cs_heading column_size=”1/1″ heading_title=”2017 ANNUAL REPORT” heading_style=”1″ heading_align=”center” heading_divider=”off” heading_font_style=”normal”][/cs_heading]

This report shows how the mission moved forward from July 1, 2016, to June 30, 2017. If you have questions about this past year’s work, please contact us.

Click this link for PDF version.

For best viewing, click right bottom corner to expand to full screen and flip through the booklet. 

 

 

 

[cs_heading column_size=”1/1″ heading_title=”BOARD OF DIRECTORS” heading_style=”1″ heading_align=”center” heading_divider=”off” heading_font_style=”normal”][/cs_heading]

Our Board of Directors is an all-volunteer group that lives and work in the communities they serve make up this team that guides and energizes the mission into the future.

[cs_table column_size=”1/1″ table_style=”modren”] [table] [tbody] [tr] [td]

Donna Kubesh, President

Britt Rhodes, Vice-President

Andrea Barth, Treasurer

Julie Aanes, Secretary

Jim Bower

Deb Novak

John Rodecap

Jennifer Sellner

Jim Wadsworth

Britt Rhodes

[/td] [/tr] [/tbody] [/table] [/cs_table]

[cs_quote column_size=”1/1″ quote_cite=”Jim Wadworth, Board Member” quote_cite_url=”https://www.helpingservices.org/about/board-of-directors/” quote_text_color=”#919191″ quote_align=”left”]The staff is very devoted to their work which has been very obvious when we hear their presentations at the meetings and the events they host.”[/cs_quote]

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Youth Mentoring Launches "Talk. They Hear You." National Campaign in Northeast Iowa

By Kathy Schwartzhoff, Mentoring Coordinator | 

Starting in June, Youth Mentoring at Helping Services for Youth & Families is spearheading an exciting campaign: “Talk. They Hear You.” This national campaign empowers parents to talk with children, as young as nine years old, about the dangers of underage drinking.

BASIC CONCEPT, DIRE IMPORTANCE

This campaign is relevant and vital because the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) latest report on underage drinking shows that more than a quarter of American youth engage in underage drinking. Although there has been progress in reducing the extent of underage drinking in recent years, the rates of underage drinking are still unacceptably high.  

“Talk. They Hear You.” raises parents’ and other caring adults’ awareness about these issues and arms them with information they need to start a conversation about alcohol before children become teenagers.

[cs_video column_size=”1/1″ video_url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hyq-ke2FXZA&index=1&list=PLBXgZMI_zqfTBdPhFWRi7UajR4WTztWLM” video_width=”500″ video_height=”250″][/cs_video]

KEEP AN EYE & EAR OUT—PARENTS, CARING ADULTS, & MENTORS

Listen and watch for “Talk. They Hear You.” radio and media ads and printed information in retail stores, pizza places, and churches. “We want every caring adult to hear these messages and seize the moment to talk with youth about alcohol,” challenges Colinne McCann, the Iowa Department of Public Health Youth Mentoring AmeriCorps member. These moments, such as while preparing dinner or doing chores together, are natural opportunities for initiating the conversation about alcohol with the young person.  

McCann continues, “Helping Services is very excited to promote this campaign, especially because one of our goals for the youth in mentoring is to prevent substance use. Youth Mentoring is always encouraging adults to have meaningful conversations with young people. We hope some adults will be inspired by this campaign and become mentors.”

Any adult, involved in a youth’s life, can start the “Talk. They Hear You.” conversation. If you do not have a young person in your life to encourage, Youth Mentoring can connect you with one who is waiting to begin a new friendship with a trusted adult. Mentors initiate these important conversations and help youth aspire, achieve, and develop to their greatest potential.

MORE INFO IS AVAILABLE

For more tips and information on the campaign visit, www.underagedrinking.samhsa.gov.  For more information about SAMHSA, visit http://www.samhsa.gov/.

Finally, find out what mentoring is like or request to become a mentor at Helping Services’ website, www.helpingservices.org/mentoring. You can also reach out directly by calling 563-387-1720 or emailing mentoring@helpingservices.org.

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Open Invitation: Mentoring Mingle at Mulligan's in Waukon

Nine million kids in America say that they are growing up without adults to whom they can turn to for help or support. You can be a trusted role model to one of those kids by becoming a mentor through Helping Services for Youth & Families.

To help you understand what being a mentor looks like, Youth Mentoring is hosting a Mentoring Mingle on Thursday, April 27 at Mulligan’s Irish Grill & Pub (click here for all the details). This is an opportunity for you to talk with current mentors and hear stories about how these supportive friendships have impacted the lives of local kids.

A Casual, No-Commitment Evening

The Mentoring Mingle will be an informal opportunity for you to hear about the big need for mentors, to explore the benefits of being a mentor, and to understand how you can get involved as an individual, couple, or family in short- or long-term mentoring experiences.  

“There won’t be a presentation to sit through, nor do you have to stay the entire time,” shares Kathy Schwartzhoff, mentoring coordinator at Helping Services, “and you don’t need to commit to volunteering. It’s a just a chance to be curious and enjoy a friendly atmosphere.”

At the event, you could visit with Sandy Deal, long-time supporter of mentoring from Waukon. She shares, “I find a great deal of satisfaction in helping our community. Seeing the smiles of the kids at mentoring events and making new friends is great. I love being involved where I can help and be a guiding example.”  

Friendships That Impact More Than You Realize

Studies show that mentored youth are more likely to learn more, earn more, and live healthier for longer. They are more likely to avoid negative influences, which makes a real impact in neighborhoods and saves millions of dollars in our community. A wonderful ripple effect occurs when 90% of those who were mentored become mentors in their community.

An Opportunity for You? Maybe or Maybe Not

Come and enjoy free hor d’oeuvres, and a cash bar will be available. You do not need to commit to becoming a mentor; just come and listen and ask questions. It is all about how we can support our kids. If you are not able to attend the event but wish to find out more about youth mentoring, go to www.helpingservices.org/mentoring, or contact Colinne or Kathy at 563-387-1720.   

 

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Youth Mentoring "Be a Hero" Bowl-A-Thon Raises $7,000

By Kathy Schwartzhoff, Mentoring Coordinator |

We are taken back by the generous community response to the Be a Hero Youth Mentoring Bowl-a-thon held March 26 at Oneota Lanes in Decorah.

Approximately 85 bowlers wore capes, Batman shirts, took pictures with Wonder Woman, and posed in the photo booth to celebrate the heroes of the day: mentors. The fundraiser brought in approximately $ 7,000 to provide caring adult role models for youth in Allamakee, Howard, and Winneshiek Counties.

Erin Piper, team member from Marine Credit Union shares,

“For the past several years Marine Credit Union has brought several enthusiastic teams to this event. Our bank was proud to be part of the day and to support local youth with great relationships.”

True community heroes were the event sponsors, the bowlers, and the donors. There were many whooshes, zaps, and bams as participants cheered the strikes, spares, and even gutter balls. Donations are still coming in. If you would like to be a hero and financially connect with this mission, you can. Gifts can be made securely online  or can be mailed to PO Box 372, Decorah, IA 52101.

Youth Mentoring provides an adult mentor who spends 4 hours a month with a youth, ages 5-16. Currently, 49 youth are enjoying time with a mentor, and 16 youth are waiting for a mentor. For information on how you can be part of the excitement of mentoring at Helping Services, contact Kathy Schwartzhoff or Colinne McCann at (563) 387-1720, mentoring@helpingservices.org, or online at www.helpingservices.org/mentoring.

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THESE MENTORS WANTED TO INSPIRE.

Little did they know how inspired they would become.

By Colinne McCann, IDPH Youth Mentoring AmeriCorps Member | 

Youth who have a mentor gain life-changing skills and opportunities they may not otherwise have. Many mentors feel that volunteering this way gives them life-changing skills and new opportunities. This mentor-mentee relationship energizes and encourages both youth and mentors. 

[cs_team column_size=”1/2″ cs_team_view=”default” cs_team_name=”Parker” cs_team_profile_image=”https://www.helpingservices.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Parker-and-Shaun-e1490888338797.jpg” cs_team_profile_image9147130=”Browse”]“Being a mentor is special for me because I have been blessed in my life, and I love being able to share that with my mentee while developing a lasting friendship with him.”[/cs_team]

[cs_team column_size=”1/2″ cs_team_view=”default” cs_team_name=”DeAnne” cs_team_profile_image=”https://www.helpingservices.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/DeAnne-and-Brayden-e1490888840283.jpg” cs_team_profile_image4881049=”Browse”]“I chose to become a mentor to have a positive impact on a young person’s life. I found that he has had a positive influence on mine. I have benefited from the experience as much or more than my mentee.” [/cs_team] Mentors are matched with youth, ages 5–16, in Allamakee, Delaware, Howard, and Winneshiek Counties. Request an application, and we will email you one to be completed online. If you prefer a paper version, call 563-387-1720 to have one mailed to you.

Feel inspired to become a role model for a youth? Apply to be a mentor. A youth is waiting to befriend and encourage you, and you will help them aspire, achieve, and develop to their fullest potential.

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Totally Groovy 80’s Retro Bowl Exceeds $10,000 Goal for Youth Mentoring

By Ellen Krogmann, mentoring coordinator |

Delaware County Youth will continue to have mentors because 73 bowlers raised over $10,000 for Youth Mentoring at Helping Services for Youth & Families. The 80’s Retro Bowl, held on March 4 at Lightning Lanes in Manchester, brought out totally radical costumes and generous donors. Helping Services thanks those who sponsored the event, organized a team, or donated through the bowl-a-thon!  

The whole day was totally groovy! The energy, excitement, and laughter in the room was contagious. These donations will help us connect more youth with a positive role model as well as continue to invest in the current matches. It was so encouraging to see community members come enjoy some bowling fun to support youth mentoring relationships.

A special thank you to the area businesses who sponsored the Youth Mentoring bowl-a-thon. 

Youth Mentoring connects youth with caring adults in Delaware County. Volunteer mentors and youth spend four to five hours per month doing things they both enjoy. Helping Services is currently looking for males mentors in Edgewood-Colesburg, as ten youth in the district are waiting for a mentor.

Volunteers and donations are still needed. For more information on how you can be a volunteer or financial partner of Youth Mentoring at Helping Services, please contact me at 563-379-3454 or visit www.helpingservices.org/mentoring.

Special thanks to  F & M Bank, who raised the most money, earning naming rights for next year’s event. They brought in $2,345 for their team!

[cs_image column_size=”1/1″ image_style=”frame-plane” cs_image_url=”https://www.helpingservices.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/80s-Retro-Bowl-Biggest-Fundraisers-2017-FM-Bank-e1489508994824.jpg” cs_image_url59415=”Browse”][/cs_image]

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2017 National Mentoring Month: Be A Hero, Become A Mentor!

 

 

By Colinne McCann, Iowa Department of Public Health Youth Mentoring AmeriCorps Member |

Through Youth Mentoring, 119 local youth have a superhero in their life. This January Helping Services for Youth & Families is celebrating those champions and inviting others to become a hero, during National Mentoring Month (NMM). 

Mentoring has a positive impact on youth, but many youth are without this type of role model. Nine million kids in America say they are growing up without adults whom they can turn to. In this area, about 25 youth are currently waiting for a mentor are currently waiting for a mentor. Research shows that mentored youth are more apt to learn more, earn more, and live healthier lives. Mentored youth have a greater chance of avoiding negative influences, such as substance abuse, bullying, or dropping out of school.

National Mentoring Month is the perfect time for you to find your inner hero. No flying, x-ray vision, or super strength is needed to be a mentor. Youth Mentoring at Helping Services will give you the tools and training needed. Mentoring a youth does not have to be time-consuming—zap out just four hours a month for one year. You will see extraordinary results and be part of the effort to give every youth a positive role model, so that all youth feel connected, valued, and empowered.

Individuals, couples, and families can mentor a youth.  Everyday heroes are needed. Request an application, or contact a mentoring staff to get your questions answered! Take action today: Be a Hero, Become a Mentor!

Watch for NMM in Your Community

Allamakee County

 

Delaware County

 

Howard County

 

Winneshiek County

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