January is National Mentoring Month ...

In Allamakee County, 11 people are superheroes to a local youth. This January Helping Services for Youth & Families is celebrating those champions and inviting others to become a hero, during National Mentoring Month. Mentoring has a positive impact on youth, and some youth are without this type of role model. Nine million kids in America say they are growing up without adults whom they can turn to. In this area, 23 youth are currently waiting for a mentor. Research shows that mentored youth are apt to learn more, earn more and live healthier lives. Mentored youth have a greater chance of avoiding negative influences, such as substance abuse, bullying or dropping out of school.

National Mentoring Month is the perfect time to become a hero to a local youth. Youth Mentoring at Helping Services will provide the tools and training needed. Mentoring a youth does not have to be time-consuming, it takes just four hours a month for one year to be part of the effort to give every youth a positive role model, so all youth feel connected, valued and empowered.

Join Youth Mentoring for the Allamakee County 2018 National Mentoring Month Proclamation signing at the Allamakee County Courthouse in Waukon Monday, January 8 at 9:40 a.m. Individuals, couples and families can mentor a youth. Visit www.helpingservices.org/mentoring to request an application, or contact Kathy Schwartzhoff at 563-387-1720. Serving families since 1973, Helping Services for Youth & Families is dedicated to responding to current health and safety needs of youth and families through empowerment, support and education. Pictured above are local mentors Roger and Jane with Kaden, the youth they serve as mentors for. Submitted photo.