Helping Services For Youth & Families

Holiday Lights, Tuesday 12/1/20
2020-12-01 17:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Pulpit Rock Campground

Tour Holiday Lights-Group Mentoring Event
2020-11-30 18:00 - 19:00 | IA
Mentors, mentees, Mentors For A Day, and waiting youth are invited to come and tour Holiday Lights together. Holiday Lights is Helping Services BIGGEST fund raiser and supports Youth Mentoring!
Everyone attending will gather at the Soccer Field parking lot by Will Baker park at 6:00 p.m. Jolly friends can jump into the festive Northeast Iowa Transit van and social distance or create a caravan of cars to tour the lights together. Donations to the event are welcome, but not expected. All attendees will receive a Culver’s gift card to enjoy a meal or treat on that evening. It will be a great time!!

Holiday Lights, Monday 11/30/20
2020-11-30 17:00 - 21:00 | Pulpit Rock Campground

Holiday Lights, Sunday 11/29/20
2020-11-29 17:00 - 21:00 | Pulpit Rock Campground

Holiday Lights, Saturday 11/28/20
2020-11-28 17:00 - 21:00 | Pulpit Rock Campground

Holiday Lights, Friday 11/27/20
2020-11-27 17:00 - 21:00 | Pulpit Rock Campground

Holiday Lights, Thursday 11/26/20
2020-11-26 17:00 - 21:00 | Pulpit Rock Campground

Holiday Lights OPENING NIGHT 2020 - No Walk-Through Night this year
2020-11-25 17:00 - 21:00 | Pulpit Rock Campground
Hi folks! Welcome to Holiday Lights, covid-style! To keep everyone safe, we will NOT be having the Walk-Through night this year (sorry!) Our very enthusiastic elf team wanted to still mark the night as special. They came up with the idea of souvenir gift bags jammed with fun stuff from our sponsors. Sponsors are VERY important to Holiday Lights and this gives them the perfect opportunity to reach out to you with some holiday goodness. Santa will be joining us for the opening night on Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2020 (night before Thanksgiving) from 5-7:30. Look for him again on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in December (last Santa night is Dec. 20th).
Don’t forget the fireworks on Dec. 3rd! We moved them this year to the athletic fields near city hall in Decorah. THANK YOU to our AMAZING VOLUNTEERS who will be safely following safety guidelines this year and greeting you with masks on! Let’s make this the best season ever! – The Holiday Lights team

Problem Gambling: What Do You Have To Lose?
2020-11-19 17:30 - 18:30 | IA
Community members are invited to take part in this interactive training to learn about problem gambling. On November 19, the training will be offered by Meg Gelner, Mentoring Coordinator for Delaware County.
The presentation will be offered on November 17 and identical information is being offered on November 19 giving potential attendees two options to choose from.
The trainings are geared toward mentors, parents, guardians, grandparents, educators, health professionals, clergy and lay faith leaders.
Attendees will learn about: the prevalence of gambling, laws and policies, how gambling hooks youth, warning signs of problem gambling, how to reach out to others, and area resources.
Those planning to attend November 19 should register at: www.bit.ly/Nov19GamblingRegistration
Those who register will receive BONUS resource materials prior to the training.
Join the training at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82107720098
If you have questions, please contact: Meg Gelner at 563-379-3454, mg*****@*************es.org or
Kathy Schwartzhoff at 563-387-1720, ka****@*************es.org

Problem Gambling: What Do You Have To Lose?
2020-11-17 17:30 - 18:30 | IA
Community members are invited to take part in this interactive training to learn about problem gambling. On November 17, the training will be offered by Kathy Schwartzhoff, Certified Prevention Specialist and Mentoring Coordinator for Allamakee, Howard, and Winneshiek Counties.
The presentation will be offered on November 17 and identical information is being offered on November 19 giving potential attendees two options to choose from.
The trainings are geared toward mentors, parents, guardians, grandparents, educators, health professionals, clergy and lay faith leaders.
Attendees will learn about: the prevalence of gambling, laws and policies, how gambling hooks youth, warning signs of problem gambling, how to reach out to others, and area resources.
Those planning to attend November 17 should register at: www.bit.ly/Nov17GamblingRegistration
Those who register will receive BONUS resource materials prior to the training.
Join the training at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89946818322
If you have questions, please contact: Meg Gelner at 563-379-3454, mg*****@*************es.org or
Kathy Schwartzhoff at 563-387-1720, ka****@*************es.org

November Tasty Thursday-Youth Mentoring
2020-11-12 17:30 - 18:30 | IA
Calling all mentors, mentees, and those that want to find out more about mentoring! It’s time for ice cream!!
Come and enjoy a quick treat, visit a few minutes (if you are comfortable) with some mentors and mentees about what is involved with mentoring. Mentors often share ideas of things to do this time of year. Youth like saying “Hi” to each other. Wearing a mask and social distancing are encouraged. Come and join the fun!!

Prescription Drug Abuse Training
2020-10-29 17:30 - 18:30 | IA
The results of a recent community survey conducted in Northeast Iowa showed that very few people are aware that both youth and older adults are abusing prescription drugs. What can we do to help those who struggle? What can we do to prevent this concern? What is happening in our communities on this topic?
These questions and will be answered and discussed during a virtual training on Thursday, October 29 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. The training will be facilitated by Kathy Schwartzhoff, CPS with sharing by Colinne McCann and Meg Gelner. It’s important that mentors, parents, guardians, grandparents, educators, counselors, health professionals, and those who work with youth attend by clicking on this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81261085916.
WHAT WILL WE LEARN?

● An understanding of what prescription drug abuse is
● Local statistics
● Classes of commonly misused drugs
● Symptoms of prescription drug abuse
● Ways to help someone you care about
● Area resources
Those planning to attend should pre-register at www.bit.ly/RegisterPrescriptionAbuse to share items they would like discussed during the training and to receive some helpful resources prior to the training. Please contact, ka****@*************es.org or 563-387-1270 with your questions.

20% of Sales from Euphoria to to DARC 10/28/20
2020-10-28 08:00 - 17:00 | IA
Every Wednesday in October 2020, 20% of sales go to Helping Services Domestic Abuse Resource Center (DARC).

20% of Sales from Euphoria to to DARC 10/21/20
2020-10-21 08:00 - 17:00 | IA

Luna Valley Farms, 20% of sale support DARC
2020-10-17 08:00 - 17:00 | Luna Valley Farms, 3012 Middle Sattre Road, Decorah, United States
Luna Valley Farms is donating 20% of sales on Saturday, Oct. 17 to Helping Services’ Domestic Abuse Resource Center. Orders must be made in advance.

ERASE Virtual Lunch & Learn
2020-10-16 12:00 - 13:00 | IA
The Winneshiek County ERASE Coalition will be hosting a virtual Lunch & Learn! This is an opportunity for community members to learn more about ERASE and what the coalition does in the county. The coalition did an assessment survey to determine the awareness and readiness of the community in addressing priority issues and the results of this survey will be shared at this Lunch & Learn. This will be an opportunity to learn and also to provide your input on the results of the survey and efforts in Winneshiek County.
Click on this zoom link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83510933266 or enter the meeting ID 835 1093 3266 to join.

20% of Sales from Euphoria to to DARC 10/14/20
2020-10-14 08:00 - 17:00 | IA

Delaware Fall Event - Sherman Pumpkin Farm
2020-10-10 10:00 - 13:00 | Sherman’s Pumpkin Farm and Corn Maze, 413 South Wayne Street, Manchester, IA, 52075, United States

Explore Lansing-Mentoring Group Event
2020-10-10 10:00 - 13:00 | Lansing, Iowa
Mentors, mentees, Mentors For A Day, and waiting youth are invited to come and explore Lansing, Iowa.

This group mentoring event will be less structured then previous events. Attendees will meet at the shelter at the Mt. Hosmer Park where they will enjoy beautiful views and some hiking. The top photo above is one of the views from Mount Hosmer. Pairs will enjoy a sack lunch and then venture on their own to enjoy a self-guided time at the Driftless Area Education and Visitors Center. COVID-safe measures will be practiced during the event as much as possible. Please RSVP to Kathy or Colinne your ability to attend.

Tasty Thursday
2020-10-08 17:30 - 18:30 | Sugar Bowl, 410 W. Water Street, Decorah
Who’s ready for ice cream?
It doesn’t matter if it’s a blistering hot summer day or a cool Autumn day, it’s always a day for ice cream!!
Join Youth Mentoring for mouth watering treats at the monthly Tasty Thursday event. During this short event, mentors, mentees, and those wishing to learn more about Youth Mentoring at Helping Services are invited to attend the Tasty Thursday to enjoy an ice cream treat (compliments of Sugar Bowl) and great conversation at Sugar Bowl in Decorah.

20% of Sales from Euphoria to to DARC 10/7/20
2020-10-07 08:00 - 17:00 | IA

PIVO and Blepta Studios donate 20% of all online sales in October to DARC
2020-10-01 08:00 - 2020-10-31 17:00 | IA
PIVO and Blepta Studios will be donating 20% of all online sales in the month of October to Helping Services For Youth & Families Domestic Abuse Resource Center.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2020
2020-10-01 | IA

Vaping and E-Cigarette Training
2020-09-24 17:30 - 18:30 | IA
Vaping and E-Cigarette use is a significant health concern for users, especially youth.
All adults are invited to be part of this short and sweet training to stock up their toolbox and learn some great information. Attendees will hear about: local statistics, vaping 101, the harmful effects, information about e-cigarettes, current policies, and what we can do about youth’s use.
Mentors, parents, grandparents, teachers, youth leaders, and others who care about youth are all invited. This training will be facilitated by Kathy Schwartzhoff, CPS with support from Meg Gelner, Colinne McCann, and Tessa Willie.
Attendees that register at bit.ly/RegisterVaping will receive a packet of helpful materials prior to the training. Join the virtual training on Zoom at this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89786559894
If you have questions, please contact Kathy at 563-387-1720| ka****@*************es.org

This training is offered by Helping Services Youth Mentoring through grant funds from the Iowa Department of Public Health, Improving Tomorrow: Prevention Focused Mentoring.

Tasty Thursday!
2020-09-10 17:30 - 18:30 | Sugar Bowl, 410 W. Water Street, Decorah
Mentors and mentees, please join us on Thursday, September 10 for a tasty treat compliments of Sugar Bowl. When you get to the site, check-in at the mentoring table for your ticket to enjoy a tasty treat.
Youth Mentoring at Helping Services is proud to be partnering with Sugar Bowl for this venture.

Family Ice Cream Social (COVID-Style)
2020-08-27 17:30 - 19:00 | Phelps Park, 613 Park Street, Decorah, IA 52101, 613 Park Street, Decorah, IA, 52101, United States
Let’s cool off with a little ice cream! Mentors, mentees, Mentors For A Day, and friends of Youth Mentoring AND THEIR FAMILIES from Allamakee, Howard, and Winneshiek County are invited. Delicious Sugar Bowl ice cream will be served for all to enjoy. Attendees must wear a mask (or one will be provided) to attend this yummy event. Six foot distancing will be adhered to. You may eat your ice cream at an outdoor picnic table, in your car, or on your way home. All mentors, mentees, parents/guardians, and Mentors For A Day will be asked to complete a bit of paperwork. Voting for the next year’s events will take place. Come for the ice cream and time to wave to your friends!!
Whalen Cabin is the indoor shelter at Phelps Park.

The Meet and Sweet! Family Ice Cream Event
2020-08-13 16:00 - 18:00 | Tirrill Park, 105 Stearns Drive, Manchester, IA, 52057, United States
What tastes better on a hot summer day than a mouthful of deliciously cold ice cream!? Our mentoring program would like to invite mentors, mentees and their families to attend this event. There will be pre-scooped ice cream from Widner Drug Store’s Ice Cream Parlor! We will be meeting at the shelter near the river at Tirrill Park on Thursday, August 13th from 4:00 pm- 6:00 pm. This event will be sponsored by a generous grant from Theisen’s Home, Farm and Auto. There will be mentee surveys to complete at the event. Stop by, say hi, and grab and ice cream! Please RSVP to Meg by Friday, August 7th by emailing, texting or calling. I look forward to seeing you!

Generation Rx Training
2020-05-14 15:00 - 16:15 | IA
Mentors, Mentors For A Day, parents/guardians, healthcare professionals, educators, and everyone who cares about youth are invited to join Youth Mentoring for a great time of learning and sharing. This training will be offered via Zoom by clicking this link: https://zoom.us/j/96899673232.
Jen Kimber, Certified Prevention Specialist, from Helping Services will be presenting. During the presentation, you will learn about prescription drug safety in order to help prevent misuse of prescription medications and about four “key messages” for safe medication practices. The session will include a presentation, interactive polls, and time to ask questions to educate adults.
If you have never done anything on Zoom, it is a fairly simple process. You will be glad you took the plunge to try it! About five minutes before 3:00 p.m. on May 14, click on the above Zoom link. You may need to load Zoom on your computer. Follow the prompts and you will be ready to learn and get some great ideas while in the comfort and safety of your home.

Friday Fun Night-Virtual Yoga with Laura
2020-04-17 18:00 - 19:00 | Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/810555242, Your house, Your town, IA, 52101, United States
Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/810555242
Take a deep breath after you have clicked on the above Zoom link. Enjoy an hour of fun and relaxing activities with Laura Lehman, Mentoring Intern. Laura has FOUR years experience conducting yoga activities with youth and she is pumped to spend time with you.
Who can attend this event? Everyone! Adults, kids, mentors, mentees, parents/guardians, moms, dads, brothers, sisters, maybe even the dog and only those who are social distancing. You won’t need to wear a mask as you will be safe at home.

POSTPONED-Rock 'N' Bowl Mentoring Bowl-A-Thon-Waukon
2020-03-21 | Arrowhead Lanes, 601 Rossville Road, Waukon, IA, 52172
We look forward to rescheduling this fun event and MAJOR fundraiser for Youth Mentoring. We will notify everyone when a date has been secured and plans are underway. Many generous donors are contributing to support Youth Mentoring online. If you would like to contribute in this way, go to: https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/rock-n-bowl-waukon and click on the donate button. If you are more comfortable sending a donation via postal mail, send it to: Youth Mentoring, PO Box 372, Decorah, IA 52101.
Thanks to everyone for their support!!
