Helping Services For Youth & Families

Holiday Lights OPENING NIGHT 2021
2021-11-25 17:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Pulpit Rock Campground
Hi folks! Welcome to Holiday Lights! Look for Santa on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in December (last Santa night is Dec. 19th). Santa is also making a special appearance at our Walk Through Night on Wednesday, November 24, the night before Thanksgiving.
Don’t forget the fireworks on Dec.14th! They can be viewed from the Decorah Hight School Football stadium. Stadium opens at 6 pm and the fireworks start at 6:30 pm. THANK YOU to our AMAZING VOLUNTEERS. Let’s make this the best season ever! – The Holiday Lights team

SNEAK PEEK: Walk-The-Lights Night Holiday Lights 2021
2021-11-24 17:00 - 19:30 | Pulpit Rock Campground
This is your ONLY chance to walk through the lights!

Binge Drinking: Live Above The Influence
2021-11-18 17:30 - 18:30 | IA
On Thursday, November 18, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. an important training about binge drinking will be hosted as an in-person training and on a Zoom link. The training has been developed and researched by five Luther College senior nursing students. Topics being discussed are the definition of binge drinking, how it is prominent in northeast Iowa, how youth are involved, what we can do if we are worried about someone we care about, and how each of us can be advocates for being healthy related to alcohol use.
Attendees should pre-register at bit.ly/RegisterAboveTheInfluence. For those wishing to attend in-person, the host site is at Luther College’s Baker Commons. For those wishing to enjoy the training from their home, go to this Zoom link. This training will be very worthwhile!

Tasty Thursday
2021-11-11 17:30 - 18:30 | Culver’s, 904 Short Street, Decorah, IA, 52101
It’s time for some deliciousness! Come and enjoy a tasty treat, great conversation, and have some fun!!
Mentors, mentees, Steering Committee members, mentoring families, and those wanting to know a bit more about mentoring are invited to Tasty Thursday.
Youth Mentoring is excited to share a new location for the event-Culver’s in Decorah! RSVP’s are not required, but are appreciated.
Mark your calendar to attend!

Mentoring Social
2021-11-09 17:30 - 19:30 | T Bock’s Sports Bar & Grill (Upstairs), 206 W. Water Street, Decorah, IA
Bob, Izaak, and Reg get ready to enjoy an IMAX movie at the
September group event at the Mississippi River Museum.
Come one, come all! Meet and socialize with men and women who mentor or want to find out more about mentoring. Tuesday, November 9 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at T-Bocks Upstairs; Youth mentoring is hosting a Mentoring Social.
Have you thought about becoming a mentor? This is the perfect event to attend to find out more about how YOU can become involved. Mentors will informally share stories about the impact mentoring has on their youth and them as an adult, the dire need for boys to have male role models, and the ways you can get started so that you are comfortable with being a mentor.
Mentors, steering committee members, Mentors For A Day, and supporters of mentoring are invited to come and connect with others about mentoring. It is the event to invite or bring that person you know who will make a great mentor.
Everyone will enjoy socializing and free appetizers. Drinks will be available for purchase.This event is open house style. Come and stay the whole time or come for a portion of the time.
Youth Mentoring has a place for you! For more information, please contact Colinne or Kathy at me*******@*************es.org, 563-387-1720, or visit www.helpingservices.org/mentoring

Trampoline Park Group Mentoring Event
2021-11-06 11:00 - 14:00 | Jump Start Adventure Park, 3939 Co Rd B, La Crosse, WI
Let’s JUMP!
Youth Mentoring will be going to Jump Start Adventure Park in La Crosse, WI to have some bouncy fun times! Prior to going to the trampoline park, we will enjoy a meal at St. Luke’s Church in Eitzen, MN. Our delicious meal will be catered by Wings Supper Club in Dorchester, IA.
Those leaving from Decorah will board a Townline bus and leave promptly at 10:15 a.m. Those driving to Eitzen can jump on the bus there to travel with others to La Crosse. We will enjoy a large jumping area, ninja course, wall trampoline area, air bag jumping pit, nets course, basketball slam dunk, dodgeball areas, and more for one hour! All jumpers (youth and adults) MUST complete an on-line waiver form to be allowed to jump. For those who do not wish to jump, there is plenty of space to cheer them on as they jump!
Mentors For A Day are needed. Please hop to it and get your space reserved by contacting Kathy or Colinne by Monday, November 1.

Pinter's Pumpkin Patch Group Mentoring Event
2021-10-16 10:00 - 13:00 | Pinter’s Pumpkin Patch, 2475 IA-9, Decorah, IA
There will be so much fun at Pinter’s Pumpkin Patch when mentors, mentees, waiting youth, and Mentors For A Day enjoy time in the fall weather together! There will be time for a hayride, corn maize, pedal go karts, big slides, life-size chess, a jumping pillow, wiggleville, hook and ring, sand tire hilll, farm animals, and much more. Each participant will get to take home their own small pumpkin! A meal will also be enjoyed. Please RSVP to your assigned mentoring coordinator by Monday, October 11.

Tasty Thursday at Sugar Bowl (Downtown)
2021-10-14 17:30 - 18:30 | Sugar Bowl, 410 W. Water Street, Decorah
What is better than ending your Thursday with some ice cream? Come and enjoy some great conversation, a treat, and some fun times. Mentors, mentees, family members, Steering Committee members, Mentors For A Day and prospective mentors, volunteers, and mentee families are all invited to attend. An RSVP is appreciated. Please meet at the Sugar Bowl’s downtown location on Water Street. Thanks to Sugar Bowl for paying for everyone’s treat at Tasty Thursday!!

Fishing and Hiking at Backbone State Park
2021-10-09 08:00 - 10:00 | Backbone State Park, 1347 129th Street, Dundee, IA, 52038, United States

Pronouns 101 Training
2021-09-23 17:30 - 18:30 | Zoom
What are personal pronouns? How should I use them correctly? What is the differences between gender identity and sex? How can I start a conversation with someone who is questioning their identity? How can I support my trans, cisgender, and non-binary friends and family members?
All these questions and more will be explored during this fact-based virtual training being presented by Pronoun & Gender Educator, Madi Brauer (they/them). Madi’s credentials include:

Luther College graduate-major in social work and a minor in dance.
Worked with refugee populations in San Diego, CA and people experiencing homelesssness in Chicago, IL.
Began the Pronoun Education Project through the Northeast Iowa Peace and Justice Center in Decorah
Worked as a Family Educator at Helping Services for Youth & Families in northeast Iowa.
Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA) Coordinator at Iowa Safe Schools in Des Moines.
Created their own LLC to provide education on gender identity and pronouns so they can do their part to make spaces more inclusive for all people.

You are strongly encouraged to pre-register at bit.ly/PronounsReg for this training. When you pre-register, you will receive resources prior to the training that others do not receive. You can also submit your questions to the presenter when you pre-register. Mentors, parents, grandparents, health professionals, college students, law enforcement, clergy, youth leaders, and friends of mentoring are all welcome to attend.
Be prepared to have fun, come away with new understanding, and learn new skills! Join us on Zoom at: bit.ly/PronounsLink

Mississippi River Museum Event
2021-09-18 12:00 - 15:00 | National River Museum & Aquarium, 350 E. 3rd Street, Dubuque, IA
Photo Credit: Dirk Hansen
Mentoring program participants from Allamakee, Delaware, Howard, and Winneshiek Counties will enjoy a fun-filled day of exploring at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium. Will the otters be your favorite animal? Will you be inspired to care for the river as it nurtures us? Will you travel back in time to board a ship from long ago? Will you marvel at the life of penquins in the IMAX Theatre? All these things could happen as mentors, mentees, Mentors For A Day, and some of our waiting youth will enjoy a meal together and then explore exhibits at the museum and seeing an IMAX movie. Please RSVP to your assigned mentoring coordinator by Monday, September 13. Mentors For A Day are needed. *
PLEASE NOTE: The times listed are the times that participants will be in Dubuque. Check with your mentoring coordinator for times for your location to travel to the restaurant prior to the museum and museum/movie times.
*What is a Mentor For A Day? They are a volunteer who is assigned to be with a youth for an event that fits their schedule. Find out more at: www.helpingservices.org/mentoring

Tasty Thursday-You could be a STAR!
2021-09-09 17:30 - 18:30 | The Landing Market, 211 College Drive, Decorah, IA, 52101, United States
Come one and all! Mentors, mentees, parents, family members, and potential mentors/volunteers are invited to this very special TASTY THURSDAY event! Here is what is in store for you:

We will be creating our recruitment video. You could be in it and share about your experience or just be part of the crowd!
Free ice cream will be served compliments of the Sugar Bowl.
You could complete your mentor, parent, and/or mentee survey to help Youth Mentoring share more about the impact of Youth Mentoring!
As a parent, you could fill out a year-long permission slip so you do not have to complete one for EVERY event. You could also update your child’s medical form.
You could come and explore the world of mentoring and get a taste for what it is like.

RSVP’s are welcome but are not required. We sure hope you will join us!

ERASE Coalition at Fall Fest
2021-09-09 17:00 - 20:00 | Northeast Iowa Community College, 1625 IA-150, Calmar, IA, 52132, United States
Come visit NICC’s Fall Fest Event and check out the ERASE Coalition!
The Coalition will have a ‘Hidden In Plain Sight’ mock teenager bedroom set-up for parents/adults to walk through and learn about trending drug/alcohol/vaping paraphernalia and what these items look like. There will also be educational escape rooms for youth. The ERASE Coalition will be providing resources for parents/caregivers to start talking to their kids early about the dangers of alcohol and other substances.
Fall Fest will be on NICC Calmar Campus on September 9th, from 5-8 PM with fireworks to follow!

End of Summer/Back to School Bash
2021-08-27 17:30 - 19:30 | Tirrill Park, 105 Stearns Drive, Manchester, IA, 52057, United States

Youth Mentoring Family Picnic
2021-08-26 17:30 - 19:00 | Phelps Park, 613 Park Street, Decorah, IA 52101, 613 Park Street, Decorah, IA, 52101, United States
It’s time for a little family time!
Youth Mentoring wants to celebrate all the great things happening in our mentor and mentee matches. Mentors, mentees, Steering Committee members, and their families are all invited to come and enjoy some grilled goodies at a picnic at Whalen Cabin in Phelps Park in Decorah. Please RSVP by Monday, August 23 to your assigned mentoring coordinator.

Training for Intevention Procedures (TIPS) at Toppling Goliath Brewing Company
2021-08-26 16:30 - 19:30 | Toppling Goliath Brewery, Upper Level, 1600 Prosperity Road, Decorah, IA, 52101, United States
FREE training for alcohol retailers, sellers/servers of alcohol, liquor license holders, etc., will be held at Toppling Goliath Brewing Company on August 26th from 4:30-7:30 PM. All materials for the certification training will be provided. Certifications are valid for 3 years.
To register yourself, or employees from your establishment, contact Jenny Rose at 319-290-9282 or jr***@*************es.org
Retailers who utilize TIPS benefit immediately by reducing risk and creatin a safer, more responsible environment. TIPS training can:

Reduce exposure to alcohol liability lawsuits.
Ensure alcohol training compliance with Iowa regulations.
Reduce penalties for alcohol violations.
Prevent property damage and lower insurance premiums.
Improve customer service and professionalism.

Who should be TIPS trained? EVERYONE who comes in contact with individuals who consume alcohol at your establishment. It’s not just for bartenders and servers. Valets, receptionists, hosts, cleaning staff, managers, front desk, security, and clerks to name a few.
Why TIPS? Because TIPS offers skills-based training and tools to meet your business needs that are designed to prevent intoxication, underage drinking, and drunk driving. Select Online, Classroom or Become a Trainer below to get started!

August's Tasty Thursday
2021-08-12 17:30 - 18:30 | The Landing Market, 211 College Drive, Decorah, IA, 52101, United States
I scream. You scream. We all scream for ice cream!!
Screaming certainly isn’t necessary at the Tasty Thursday event. Come and enjoy a tasty treat and learn more about mentoring! Thanks to Sugar Bowl for paying for everyone’s ice cream!

Training for Intevention Procedures (TIPS) at Toppling Goliath Brewing Company
2021-08-12 16:30 - 19:30 | Toppling Goliath Brewery, Upper Level, 1600 Prosperity Road, Decorah, IA, 52101, United States
FREE training for alcohol retailers, sellers/servers of alcohol, liquor license holders, etc., will be held at Toppling Goliath Brewing Company on August 12th from 4:30-7:30 PM. All materials for the certification training will be provided. Certifications are valid for 3 years.
To register yourself, or employees from your establishment, contact Jenny Rose at 319-290-9282 or jr***@*************es.org
Retailers who utilize TIPS benefit immediately by reducing risk and creatin a safer, more responsible environment. TIPS training can:

Reduce exposure to alcohol liability lawsuits.
Ensure alcohol training compliance with Iowa regulations.
Reduce penalties for alcohol violations.
Prevent property damage and lower insurance premiums.
Improve customer service and professionalism.

Who should be TIPS trained? EVERYONE who comes in contact with individuals who consume alcohol at your establishment. It’s not just for bartenders and servers. Valets, receptionists, hosts, cleaning staff, managers, front desk, security, and clerks to name a few.
Why TIPS? Because TIPS offers skills-based training and tools to meet your business needs that are designed to prevent intoxication, underage drinking, and drunk driving. Select Online, Classroom or Become a Trainer below to get started!

Prevention 5 at Cresco Night Out
2021-08-10 16:00 - 20:00 | Howard County Fairgrounds, 220 7th St. W., Cresco, IA, 52136, United States
The Prevention 5 Coalition will be at Cresco Night Out! There will be a ‘Hidden in Plain Sight’ mock teenager bedroom set up for parents/adults to walk through and learn about different paraphernalia/vaping items that have become popular among youth. There will also be some educational escape rooms!
This event is open to the public.

Delaware County Mentoring Pool Party
2021-07-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Kramer Aquatic Center, 200 Stearns Drive, Manchester, IA, 52076, United States

Training for Intevention Procedures (TIPS) at Toppling Goliath
2021-07-15 16:30 - 19:30 | Toppling Goliath Brewery, Upper Level, 1600 Prosperity Road, Decorah, IA, 52101, United States
FREE training for alcohol retailers, sellers/servers of alcohol, liquor license holders, etc., will be held at Toppling Goliath Brewing Company on July 15th from 4:30-7:30 PM. All materials for the certification training will be provided. Certifications are valid for 3 years.
To register yourself, or employees from your establishment, contact Jenny Rose at 319-290-9282 or jr***@*************es.org
Retailers who utilize TIPS benefit immediately by reducing risk and creatin a safer, more responsible environment. TIPS training can:

Reduce exposure to alcohol liability lawsuits.
Ensure alcohol training compliance with Iowa regulations.
Reduce penalties for alcohol violations.
Prevent property damage and lower insurance premiums.
Improve customer service and professionalism.

Who should be TIPS trained? EVERYONE who comes in contact with individuals who consume alcohol at your establishment. It’s not just for bartenders and servers. Valets, receptionists, hosts, cleaning staff, managers, front desk, security, and clerks to name a few.
Why TIPS? Because TIPS offers skills-based training and tools to meet your business needs that are designed to prevent intoxication, underage drinking, and drunk driving. Select Online, Classroom or Become a Trainer below to get started!

Prairie Funland Group Mentoring Event
2021-07-10 12:00 - 15:00 | Praire Funland, 515 E. Paquette St, Prairie du Chien, WI
Who wants to have fun on go-karts, playing miniature golf, doing Water Wars, and more!
Mentors, mentees, waiting youth, and Mentors For A Day are invited to come and have some fun times!! The group will enjoy a meal at Pizza Hut in Prairie and then go to Prairie Funland to have a blast together!!

Tasty Thursday
2021-07-08 17:30 - 18:30 | The Landing Market, 211 College Drive, Decorah, IA, 52101, United States
It’s time for a cool treat from Sugar Bowl! Mentors and mentees and those interested in finding out more about mentoring are invited to come and play some games, visit with others, and have a tasty treat. RSVP’s to Colinne or Kathy are greatly appreciated.

Twins Game Group Mentoring Event
2021-06-26 08:30 - 20:30 | Target Field, 1 Twins Way, Minneapolis, MN, 55403
Take me out to the ball game!!
Youth Mentoring is going to have a fun-filled day traveling via a Hawkeye Stages bus to attend a baseball game at Target Field in Minneapolis. This event is for mentors, mentees, Mentors For A Day, and youth who are waiting for a mentor. RSVP’s must be received by June 4. Space is limited!
Would you like to join the fun?
Volunteers are needed so that youth participants can all attend the game.
Please contact Kathy at ka****@*************es.org for more information.

Alcohol Trends in Northeast Iowa
2021-06-24 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
What happens if my kid gets caught with alcohol?
Can passengers be drinking alcohol on my boat?
What is happening in our area related to alcohol?
These are a few of the questions that will be answered during this “Lunch & Learn” training (with a Zoom link). Facilitator Kathy Schwartzhoff will be joined by a law enforcement officer about the concerns related to alcohol use by youth and adults in the area. Please pre-register at: https://www.bit.ly/alcoholtrends

Tasty Thursday
2021-06-10 17:30 - 18:30 | The Landing Market, 211 College Drive, Decorah, IA, 52101, United States
Delicious Delectables Will Delight You!
Come and enjoy some time either as a mentor and mentee pair or just come and find out more about mentoring! You can stay for 10 minutes or as long as you like. There will be free ice cream compliments of Sugar Bowl, games to play (if you wish), and great conversation.

Picnic in the Park
2021-06-04 10:30 - 13:30 | Seibert Park, 508 Quaker Mill Dr., Manchester, IA, 52057, United States

Let's Talk Virtual Training
2021-05-20 17:30 - 18:30 | Zoom
Some topics are just kind of hard to bring up to your youth! Mentoring Coordinator, Kathy Schwartzhoff, will be sharing ideas of how to talk to youth about difficult topics such as substance abuse prevention. The training will be an interactive process with time for parents, guardians, school staff, foster parents, youth leaders, clergy, and others who work with youth to learn new ideas and practice techniques. Please register at www.bit.ly/LetsTalkreg
You can join the training via Zoom at: https://uso2web.zoom.us/j/81174225686
The same training will be offered on May 18 by Meg Gelner from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Contact her at mg*****@*************es.org

Humane Society Group Mentoring Event
2021-05-15 10:00 - 12:00 | Humane Society of Northeast Iowa, 2345 Millennium Road, Decorah, IA, 52101
There is going to be a lot of tail wagging, purring, and smiling at this event! Join mentors, mentees, waiting youth, and Mentors For A Day for a fun-filled morning while we help do some spring cleaning, play with the cats, walk the dogs, and have a great time at the Humane Society of Northeast Iowa by Decorah. It will be a time to spread a little love to our canine and feline friends. Come and enjoy both human and animal companionship! Please RSVP by May 10 to Kathy or Colinne at me*******@*************es.org or call 563-387-1720.

Tasty Thursday
2021-05-13 17:30 - 18:30 | The Landing Market, 211 College Drive, Decorah, IA, 52101, United States
Yummy! Yum! Yummy! Yum! Yummy! Yum! Yummy! Yum! Yummy! Yum! Yummy! Yum! Yummy! Yum! Yummy! Yum! Yummy! Yum!
What says Yum like ICE CREAM! Come and enjoy a quick lick of a delicious treat, compliments of Sugar Bowl. There will be board games to play and time for potential mentors to hear a bit about Youth Mentoring. If you want to have fun and have a cool treat, this is the place to be!!
