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

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 💙

⛳️ Tee off for a cause that hits close to home.We’re incredibly grateful to be part of the MEMBERS1st Community Credit U...
03/26/2026

⛳️ Tee off for a cause that hits close to home.

We’re incredibly grateful to be part of the MEMBERS1st Community Credit Union Charity Golf Outing on May 20 at Elmwood Country Club! 💚 Proceeds from this event support YSS across Story, Marshall, and Boone Counties—helping us continue to provide hope and opportunity to youth and families.

Whether you golf, sponsor, or spread the word, you’re making a difference.

👉 Learn more or get involved: members1st.com/golf

Alumni Reunion Night!✨Calling all alumni of Youth Recovery House, Seven-12 House, and Ember Recovery—this night is for y...
03/23/2026

Alumni Reunion Night!✨

Calling all alumni of Youth Recovery House, Seven-12 House, and Ember Recovery—this night is for you! Come reconnect, celebrate how far you've come, and spend time with a community that will always be part of your story.💛

🕕 Program begins at 6 PM
🍽 Dinner provided by Cornbred
🎊 Aim for Ames kickoff starts at 8 PM

Want a behind-the-scenes look at Ember first?
👀 Join us for a special tour at 4 PM
📍 Ember Recovery Campus (Cambridge)

Email Lisa Hoffman at lhoffman@yss.org to let us know if you will be attending the tour or will meet us at the event.

We can't wait to see you there and celebrate your journey.

Spring Means New Beginnings at YSS!🌱Spring is a reminder that growth is possible. Every day, we see young people choosin...
03/20/2026

Spring Means New Beginnings at YSS!🌱

Spring is a reminder that growth is possible. Every day, we see young people choosing recovery, families finding stability, and new chapters beginning with hope.

Learn more about our services and the impact they’re making here: https://yss.org/programs/

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.