Be A Hero, Become A Mentor! January is National Mentoring Month
Mentor pair Lawrence and Dave enjoy spending time together. Submitted photo.
In Allamakee County five 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, but many 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, 22 youth are currently waiting for a mentor.
Research shows that mentored youth are more 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 for area individuals to find their inner hero. No flying, x-ray vision or super strength is needed to be a mentor, Youth Mentoring at Helping Services will provide all the tools and training needed. Mentoring a youth does not have to be time-consuming - just four hours a month for one year. Mentors will see extraordinary results and be part of the effort to give every youth a positive role model, so that all youth feel connected, valued and empowered.
Local residents are invited to join Youth Mentoring for the Allamakee County 2017 National Mentoring Month Proclamation signing at the Allamakee County Courthouse in Waukon Tuesday, January 3 at 10:15 a.m.
Youth Mentoring launched a Youth Mentoring Ambassador campaign in early September. In Allamakee County, the Youth Ambassador is Derva Burke, Librarian at Meehan Memorial Library in Lansing. The goal of the campaign is to recruit 50 new mentors by January 31 of the new year throughout the four counties served by Helping Services. With the efforts of the Youth Mentoring Ambassadors, 23 new mentors have been recruited so far.
Individuals, couples and families can mentor a youth. Everyday heroes are needed. Visit www.helpingservices.org/mentoring to request an application, or contact Colinne McCann or 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.
