Our three mentoring coordinators have years of experience in youth mentoring programs in northeast Iowa.  They are passionate about connecting youth with a caring mentor.  Reach out to Kathy, Ellen, or Colinne and they will be happy to create another successful youth mentoring match!

For general questions, feel free to email mentoring@helpingservices.org.

Kathy Schwartzhoff

Hi! I am so glad you are exploring mentoring! I am proud to share that I am the employee who has the longest history in the agency! I have worked in the areas of Child Care Information & Referral, Substance Abuse Prevention, Tobacco Prevention, and Youth Mentoring. I have been with Youth Mentoring since its inception in 1998! I live in the country outside of Decorah with my husband. I have three grown children. Two of them have been or are mentors and two of them have been mentees. I am the proud grandma of three grandgirls. I enjoy doing puppetry, being in plays, gardening, and being with friends and family. I have seen many changes in mentoring over the years. I have seen youth that walk a little taller because they have a role model that is there for them. I have seen mentors bringing hope to their youth when their struggles seemed too much to bear. I have seen a youth who was shy and bullied turn into a confident young man that is living his dream as a racecar driver. I treasure the countless smiles I see on the faces of youth in our program, their proud mentors, and their grateful parents/guardians. If you are looking for a way to bring hope, smiles, and confidence to young people, mentoring is the answer for you!

Sam Jennerjohn

Hello I am the mentoring coordinator for Delaware County! I am recently a new member to Delaware County myself, and I look forward to serving the community. Working with children has always been a passion of mine and I am excited to be a part of the Helping Services team.

Colinne McCann

Hello! My name is Colinne McCann. I am a resident of Decorah Iowa. I am the mother of a beautiful daughter. I have a BA in Social Work from Luther College. I have an AA in Human Services from Northeast Iowa Community College. I always had a goal to work in a career where I came home at the end of my day feeling like I was making a difference. Through my Social Work practicum, I found my passion for working with Youth. I am a Mentoring Coordinator, I teach High School Sunday School and do youth group, I am a Girl Scout troop Leader for my daughters’ troop and I am Service Unit Director for all Winneshiek County Girl Scouts. I just love giving back to my community and the next generation through my work and my personal time.