Robert and Bob: Friends share their story during National Mentoring Month

by Lissa Blake

Sometimes it’s nice to have another person to talk to.
That’s how 13-year-old Robert Kuehner of Waukon feels about his friendship with his mentor, Bob Rotach of Waukon. Last summer, Rotach and Kuehner were paired up as part of Helping Services for Northeast Iowa’s Mentoring Program.
“I had signed up about four years ago and had forgotten all about it,” said Kuehner, who said he was excited when he found out someone had volunteered to be his mentor. “I feel like it’s been a good thing.”
Rotach, a retired school teacher and insurance agent, said he first heard about the program through the newspaper. “I was invited to a meeting and after hearing more about it, I decided to try it,” he said. “Both of my kids [John and Beth (Mullin)] are grown. They’re both married, have children and live in Denver, CO."
“I taught junior high kids for many years and they can be a challenge, but they’re also kind of fun to be with,” he added.
Rotach said Helping Services does a good job of matching up adults and kids who share common interests. He and Keuhner spend between four and five hours per month together, per the program guidelines.
“It gives me an opportunity to do stuff I did when my son John was around,” he said. “The time we spend together really varies. Their (Helping Services) brochures kind of suggest that. Sometimes we get together once a week, sometimes one of us is gone and it’s not as often. You can do more or less time together.”
Since their friendship began, Rotach and Keuhner have done a variety of things together. “We usually try to pick something we both like doing. We go to movies, golfing, shopping and motorcycle riding. And we always wear helmets,” said Keuhner.
Rotach owns some land outside of Waukon, and he and Keuhner often go there to skeet shoot or fish. “I really like it in the country,” said Keuhner.
Rotach added Keuhner loves to shop, which was helpful around Christmas time. “I took him with me to pick out some Christmas gifts for my grandchildren. He came in pretty handy there. I’ve kind of lost that perspective. He’s pretty good at it. I also donated some items to Toys for Tots, and he helped me pick out stuff for that,” said Rotach.
Rotach and Keuhner have much in common, and Rotach said he admires Keuhner for his musical ability. “I play the guitar, the bass and a little bit of drums. I also like to sing. My favorite genre is metalcore and my favorite group is Asking Alexandria,” said Keuhner.

A GOOD THING
Keuhner said he would recommend the program to anyone. “It’s good having another positive influence and having another person to talk to. My family thinks it’s a great program,” he said.
Rotach added, “I thank the good Lord for helping me to raise a couple of kids successfully. So I figured I’d like to work with a kid or two who didn’t have all the breaks.”
Rotach suggested anyone who might be “on the fence” about whether or not the mentoring program is for them, should try Helping Services’ “mentor-for-a-day program.”
“Just try that first and see how that works out,” he said.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Helping Services for Northeast Iowa oversees mentoring programs in Allamakee, Delaware, Howard and Winneshiek counties. The organization supports mentors in a number of ways, including organized events, specialized training, structured activities, reimbursement for expenses, regular contact with a mentoring coordinator and more.
“Helping Services is creating and supporting these types of friendships between adults and youth in the area every day through their mentoring programs. Together they can go sledding, bake cookies, go to a movie or create a meal together,” said Kathy Schwartzhoff, mentoring coordinator for Helping Services for Northeast Iowa. “It’s not complicated. The adult is a friend, not a counselor, not their parents, but another positive adult in their life.”
“National Mentoring Month is a time to celebrate these great friendships, whether they’re through formal mentoring programs, informal friendships with a youth on your block or through being a friend to a coworker’s son or daughter,” said Schwartzhoff.
For 12 years, communities throughout the nation have taken time in January to thank those who are mentors and to ask others to step up. Many people can reminisce about someone or several people who helped them as a youngster.
“Take the time this January to thank those people who influenced you when you were younger. Maybe they taught you how to fly a kite, to work on cars or how to hunt. Thank them for their time,” said Schwartzhoff.
Schwartzhoff said Helping Services has children on their waiting list (see inset box for local children), some of whom have been waiting over a year for a mentor. “Step up and be one of the adults who can make a friendship grow with a youth,” she said.
For more information, contact Schwartzhoff at 563-387-1720, ext. 108.