YSS

YSS We empower youth by providing education, counseling, and stability. We provide a continuum of care.

Our programs give youth and families the tools they need to succeed throughout their lives. One of Iowa’s oldest and largest youth-serving nonprofit organizations, YSS’s mission is to provide hope and opportunity by putting kids first. Headquartered in Ames, YSS has locations across the state and tailors its services to fit the needs of each community. This institution is an equal opportunity provider: https://www.fns.usda.gov/civil-rights/usda-nondiscrimination-statement-other-fns-programs

Last week, we came together with community members, staff, and partners to celebrate the young people at Iowa Homeless Y...
04/17/2026

Last week, we came together with community members, staff, and partners to celebrate the young people at Iowa Homeless Youth Centers - IHYC and the progress they’re making every day. Moments like this are a reminder that it takes a community showing up consistently to create real, lasting impact.

Congratulations to Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines on being named this year’s Neighbor of the Year 👏 Thank you for all you do.

We’re grateful for the volunteers and corporate partners who continue to invest their time, energy, and support into this work.

Interested in case management that helps build stability and independence?🤝YSS is looking for a Part-Time Self-Sufficien...
04/16/2026

Interested in case management that helps build stability and independence?🤝

YSS is looking for a Part-Time Self-Sufficiency Advocate to support young adults as they move from foster care into independent living. This position serves northwestern Iowa counties, helping build stability, confidence, and hope for the future.

Explore this opportunity today! https://tinyurl.com/selfsufficiencyadvocate

Mentoring's Game Night brought mentors and mentees together for an evening of fun! ⭐️Shoutout to YSS ambassadors Tamin ...
04/13/2026

Mentoring's Game Night brought mentors and mentees together for an evening of fun! ⭐️

Shoutout to YSS ambassadors Tamin Lipsey and Arianna Jackson for stopping by, engaging with the youth, and helping make the night even more meaningful.

We appreciate everyone who showed up to play games and those who show up consistently in these kids' lives, building strong mentorships and showing the amazing benefit of this program. ❤

There’s no such thing as being too old for an Easter egg hunt 💛Youth at YSS of North Iowa had an Easter filled with fun,...
04/10/2026

There’s no such thing as being too old for an Easter egg hunt 💛

Youth at YSS of North Iowa had an Easter filled with fun, connection, and great food thanks to our new cook! 👏

Our incredible team put so much care into planning activities and creating a day that felt special for every young person we serve. It’s the little things that make a big difference.

Stories like this are why we do what we do.💛At YSS, we believe every young person deserves the chance to grow and build ...
04/09/2026

Stories like this are why we do what we do.💛

At YSS, we believe every young person deserves the chance to grow and build a future that they are proud of. Hearing from families about the impact of that journey reminds us just how powerful support, care, and connection can be.

To this family, and so many others, thank you for trusting us to be part of your story.

If you would like to share your story, leave us a review here: https://tinyurl.com/yssamesreview

We’re proud to continue the impact made possible by a $1 million grant from Variety - the Children's Charity of Iowa. Em...
04/08/2026

We’re proud to continue the impact made possible by a $1 million grant from Variety - the Children's Charity of Iowa. Ember Recovery Campus is actively serving youth across Iowa, providing addiction treatment and crisis stabilization in a safe, nature-based setting built for healing and growth. ❤

Because of Variety’s support, more young people are finding hope, stability, and a path forward every day. We’re grateful for their partnership in expanding access to critical care for Iowa’s youth.

A lot of meaningful things are happening right here in our communities that should not go unnoticed. 🧡At Ember Recovery,...
04/08/2026

A lot of meaningful things are happening right here in our communities that should not go unnoticed. 🧡

At Ember Recovery, young people are showing up every day to do the hard work of rebuilding their lives. The progress, the resilience, and the stories coming from this campus are something special.

Jelly Roll, we would be grateful for the chance to welcome you to Iowa and introduce you to the campus and the people behind it.

To our community, your shares and support are what help keep this moving forward. Thank you for helping us amplify these voices.

Impact starts behind the scenes.🔍We’re looking for a Controller who can help ensure our resources are managed with care,...
04/02/2026

Impact starts behind the scenes.🔍

We’re looking for a Controller who can help ensure our resources are managed with care, so our programs can continue making a difference.

👉 Learn more and apply here: https://tinyurl.com/ysscontroller1

Spring break at Ember Recovery Campus included something simple and meaningful. 🍕Ember Recovery Campus Director Matthew ...
04/01/2026

Spring break at Ember Recovery Campus included something simple and meaningful. 🍕

Ember Recovery Campus Director Matthew Voorhees spent time alongside the girls in recovery as they made homemade pizza for dinner together. It was a chance to connect, build skills, and share a moment of community around the table.

Grateful for leaders like Matt and for the everyday experiences that support healing and growth. 💛

We loved having the DMACC Criminal Justice class tour Rooftop Gardens last week! 💚It was a great opportunity to share mo...
03/31/2026

We loved having the DMACC Criminal Justice class tour Rooftop Gardens last week! 💚

It was a great opportunity to share more about YSS, the impact of our programs, and how spaces like Rooftop Gardens support healing, growth, and connection. Thanks for spending time with us and engaging in such thoughtful conversation. We're always inspired by the next generation of leaders!

So grateful for an incredible night at our YSS/Ember Alumni Reunion last Friday 🧡It was so special to reconnect, share s...
03/30/2026

So grateful for an incredible night at our YSS/Ember Alumni Reunion last Friday 🧡

It was so special to reconnect, share stories, and celebrate the strength of this community. Huge shoutout to Cornbred for the amazing catering, and a big congratulations to Kaity Koffron, our Alumna of the Year 👏

Moments like this are a reminder that recovery is not just possible, it’s powerful and lasting. We’re honored to walk alongside each of you.

We’re proud to celebrate an incredible honor for one of our own 🎉Drea Palomo was recognized by YWCA Ames at ISU through ...
03/27/2026

We’re proud to celebrate an incredible honor for one of our own 🎉

Drea Palomo was recognized by YWCA Ames at ISU through their Women of Achievement Awards, which honor women in Story County who demonstrate outstanding leadership and excellence in both their professional and personal lives.

At YSS, we see those qualities in Drea every single day. Her dedication, compassion, and leadership make a lasting impact on the youth and families we serve.

“I love what I do, and I am so thankful for this [award]," Drea shared.

Drea, we are so proud of you and grateful for the difference you make in our community 💙

Address

420 Kellogg Avenue
Ames, IA
50010

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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Our Mission

YSS provides hope and opportunity to children, youth and families through our prevention, treatment and transition programs. Learn more at www.yss.org.