January is National Mentoring Month: Be the “ONE” to make a difference in mentoring


Take ONE step; Become a mentor... January is National Mentoring Month. Jeannie, of Lansing, and her mentor, Krystal Johnson of Waukon, enjoy spending time together. Submitted photo.

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 “Take ONE step to build a friendship. Become a mentor!”

Mentoring has a positive impact on youth. Research confirms that quality mentoring relationships bring about powerful and positive changes in youth. Mentored youth have a greater chance of avoiding negative influences, such as substance abuse, bullying or dropping out of school. One in three youth grows up without this critical asset.

During these times of quarantining, isolation and masking up, mentored youth and their mentors have become very creative at “getting together.” Some mentors and mentees don’t feel comfortable getting together in-person due to high rates of infection so they are being pen-pals, visiting on the phone, playing games via virtual video, or communicating via other technology. Some mentors and mentees are meeting in-person wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing. Each mentor, mentee and family member’s wishes are supported as each individual’s safety and well-being is a top priority.

Currently, the need for positive role models is extremely vital as families deal with the stress of unemployment, cut-backs, isolation and lack of social activities.  There are 19 area youth that just want a friend to hang out with.

One of those kids is Keith. He is eight years old and likes to bike, be outside and swim. 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 of January to celebrate. Proclamations are being signed with the County Boards of Supervisors Monday, January 4 at 9:30 a.m. in Winneshiek County and 10:30 a.m. in Allamakee. Howard County’s proclamation signing will take place Monday, January 11 at 9:30 a.m. All are welcome to attend.

A Tasty Thursday event will take place January 14 at The Landing in Decorah from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Everyone that is interested in finding out more about what is involved in mentoring can attend. Mentors and mentees are also invited. Ice cream treats will be donated by Sugar Bowl.

A group event will take place at the Cresco Fitness Center January 16. Mentors, mentees, Mentors For A Day, and waiting youth are invited to attend. Anyone who would like to volunteer may contact Colinne or Kathy.

January 19, a virtual training entitled “Pass on Grass: The Dangers and Trends of Marijuana” will be available via Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85772896756. Those wanting to participate are encouraged to pre-register at https://bit.ly/PassonGrass21Registration. By registering ahead of time, attendees will receive additional resources.

Individuals, couples and families can mentor a youth. Be the ONE who makes a difference. Become a mentor. Visit www.helpingservices.org/mentoring for more information, or contact Colinne or Kathy at 563-387-1720 or mentoring@helpingservices.org.