Donation Allows Youth Mentoring to Expand Events
An anonymous family has pledged $45,000 over the next three years to support Helping Services for Youth Families’ Youth Mentoring program. The family stated that it takes a village to raise a child, and we can all do our part by helping provide new experiences that develop their interests and skills. Kathy Schwartzhoff, Mentoring Coordinator in Allamakee, Howard and Winneshiek Counties, shares, “This donation relieves the stress that staff feel when we need to recruit new mentors, support our current mentors, and fundraise. Now, we are able to dream bigger!”
An obstacle that Youth Mentoring faces is the transportation and admission costs associated with group events in larger communities. Attending a hockey game, baseball game, or a theater performance creates a unique experience for the youth and their mentor. This gift will allow Youth Mentoring to overcome the cost barrier and provide these special events more frequently.
Thanks to this contribution Youth Mentoring will be heading to a Minnesota Twins game as they take on the Cleveland Indians on Saturday, June 26th at 1:00 pm. Youth Mentoring will be taking a Hawkeye Stages charter at 8:30am from Decorah to head to the game and we return by 8:30pm. All mentors, mentees, Mentors For A Day, and youth who are waiting for a mentor are invited to attend. Your spot must be reserved by June 4.
If you have been considering becoming involved as a mentor or a Mentor For A Day to support local youth, this event would be a great way to get involved.
Youth Mentoring matches a caring adult with a youth in the community. Mentor matches spend a minimum of four hours with their mentee each month attending group events or participating in activities. Mentors For A Day attend events as it fits their schedule. Take 1 Simple Step, Become A Mentor today! Contact Colinne or Kathy at mentoring@helpingservices.org or 563-387-1720. You can also make a donation to support Youth Mentoring by visiting www.helpingservices.org/donate or mailing a check to P.O. Box 372, Decorah.