Mentoring is a simple way to volunteer: Area activities planned during National Mentoring Month in January
January is National Mentoring Month. Helping Services for Youth & Families is celebrating mentoring friendships and inviting others to engage in their community with the theme “Mentoring is simple! Become a mentor.”
Mentoring has a positive impact on youth and the volunteer mentor. The need for positive role models is extremely vital as families deal with the stresses of raising youth in today’s world. There are currently 17 area youth that want a friend to spend time with. One of those kids is Bill. He is 14 years old and likes to swim, bike and go to parks. He wants to be a police officer when he grows up.
Volunteer mentors do not do this alone. Colinne McCann, Mentoring Coordinator at Helping Services shares, “We, at Helping Services, provide you with the tools and training you need to be successful. We share activity ideas and provide fun and safe events, making it a simple process to mentor.”
There are many exciting opportunities during the month to celebrate. Proclamations are being signed with the County Boards of Supervisors Monday, January 9 at 9:40 a.m. in Allamakee County, and at 11 a.m. in Winneshiek. January 16 at 9 a.m. friends of Youth Mentoring will gather in Howard County for their signing. All are welcome to attend each of these important events.
A virtual training for adults will take place Tuesday, January 24 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. The presenter will be Sam Jennerjohn, Delaware County Mentoring Coordinator, and Jenny Rose, Advanced Certified Prevention Specialist at Helping Services. The topic will focus on sports betting and will cover the types and prevalence of sports betting, current trends, signs of problem gambling, and where to seek help. It is suggested that attendees pre-register at www.bit.ly/register-gambling.
A Mentoring Potluck Dinner is being held Tuesday, January 31 at First Lutheran Church in Decorah from 5:30-7 p.m. Mentors, mentees, Mentors For A Day, steering committee members, and families supporting mentoring are all invited to attend. Youth Mentoring will provide the main course, drinks and table service for the event. Mentors are asked to bring a dish to pass. Mentoring program participants and supporters will be recognized at the special gathering.
Individuals, couples and families can mentor a youth. Take one simple step, become a mentor. Visit www.helpingservices.org/mentoring for more information about the program, or contact Colinne or Kathy at 563-387-1720 or mentoring@helpingservices.org.
