Chocolate Extravaganza to promote mentoring March 15

Helping Services for Northeast Iowa is looking for mentors. During the second annual Chocolate Extravaganza Tuesday, March 15 at McCaffrey’s Dolce Vita in Decorah beginning at 5:30 p.m., Helping Services will encourage everyone 17 and older with four to five hours per month to be a friend to a young person between the ages of 5-16 to join its mentoring program.
This event is for all mentors, Steering Committee members and adults who want to learn more about mentoring. Information will be available about short-term and long-term mentoring options through Mentoring Programs at Helping Services in Allamakee, Howard and Winneshiek Counties.
The menu will include hors d’oeuvres of fruits and spring rolls as well as different dessert choices, including cheesecake, chocolate cake and non-chocolate cakes. Punch will be served and a cash bar will be available.  
Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP to Helping Services at 563-387-1720.
Mentors in mentoring programs at Helping Services spend four to five hours per month with youth doing activities such as working on a car, fishing, going on a walk, sledding or going to the movies. Matches are made based on the similar interests of the youth and adult friend. Youth in the program do not have to meet any special criteria other than to live in the county.
Helping Services for Northeast Iowa is a not-for-profit agency that promotes the health and well-being of children and adults living in its service area. The agency focuses resources on preventing substance abuse, child abuse, domestic violence and sexual abuse. Staff provide presentations, research-based programs, mentoring coordination, trainings and advocacy. Helping Services works with community members to help create environments that are safe, nurturing and healthy.