Youth challenges rarely start or end at the school doors—and the solutions shouldn’t either.

When a middle or high school student runs into trouble or starts to struggle, traditional systems often step in only after problems have escalated. A new program called HERD (Human Empowerment and Restorative Diversion) is taking a very different approach for students across the Southeast Polk Community School District.

Instead of waiting for minor missteps to turn into major legal or school disciplinary issues, HERD provides 5th through 12th graders with early guidance and individualized support. Participating students are paired with dedicated one-on-one adult mentors who help them build personal success plans, navigate daily challenges, and stay focused on positive choices.

A First-of-Its-Kind Partnership

What sets HERD apart is the broad coalition behind it. Over the past two years, local organizations that usually operate independently came together with a shared goal: creating a seamless safety net for local youth.

The initiative is built on a direct partnership across multiple entities, including:

• Southeast Polk Schools and local law enforcement (Altoona PD and Polk County Sheriff’s Office) to identify students early and offer restorative pathways.
• The City of Altoona and Polk County to provide governance and operational support.
• Meta & Prairie Meadows as key financial contributors.
• Caring Hands Outreach Center, which serves as HERD’s organizational home and taps into a network of nearly 300 community volunteers to mentor students.
• Lutheran Church of the Cross, which hosts the weekly mentor gatherings and family dinners, led by Pastor Eli Suddarth in his role as HERD Director.

By combining school resources, municipal backing, non-profit leadership, and corporate funding, HERD removes traditional barriers for local families by offering free transportation to weekly mentor meetings as well as no-cost family meals funded in part by Polk County.

Community leaders from Southeast Polk CSD, the City of Altoona, Altoona PD, Caring Hands, and Polk County celebrate the official launch of the HERD youth diversion program.

Looking Ahead

The community officially celebrated the program’s launch during a ribbon-cutting gathering at Lutheran Church of the Cross in Altoona, where HERD students joined district leaders, city officials, and law enforcement officers to cut the ceremonial ribbon together.

HERD is active across the district for the school year. Referrals can be made by parents, teachers, school counselors, law enforcement, or concerned community members who know a student who could benefit from extra guidance.

Learn More & Get Involved

To learn more about referring a student or volunteering as a mentor, visit Caring Hands Outreach Center online.