YSS
Casual Teens Group Portrait

Putting Kids First

We empower youth by offering education to build healthy minds and bodies; counseling to overcome life’s challenges; and stability to focus on the future.

Addiction Treatment Mental Health Therapy

How We Help

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Prevention | Education

Empowering youth and families through school-based programs, mentoring, and outreach — giving them tools to make healthy choices and build brighter futures before challenges arise.

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Treatment | Counseling

Providing compassionate mental health and substance use counseling for youth and families — personalized support that fosters healing, resilience, and long-term well-being.

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College student guy at meeting with professional counselor, social worker

Recovery | Stability

Through our Ember Recovery program, we support youth on their journey from addiction to healing — offering 24/7 care, structure, and hope for a stable, substance-free future.

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How Do I Know if I Need Help?

Know how to recognize the signs of addiction and mental health crises.

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YSS Stories

Kiera

Kiera

Kiera credits the experience and the resulting therapy at YSS of Marshall County as important steps to getting to a healthier place.

Courtney

Courtney

“Without this help, I would be a statistic: a poor, single mom, probably still on drugs or in prison. I probably would have lost my kids, but I didn’t. Because I continued to reach out and ask for help.”

Arminta

Arminta

Arminta went to Iowa Homeless Youth Centers (IHYC), a YSS organization located in Des Moines. She connected with the IHYC Aftercare program for young adults who have aged out of foster care. Her advocate, Hannah, helped her budget, seek financial aid, and enroll at DMACC. 

Angela

Angela

While staying at YSS’s emergency shelter, Angela met Brittany, a YSS staff member. After completing the 10-week foster parent course, Brittany and her husband Jake welcomed Angela into their home, and officially adopted Angela in 2019.

Fritz

Fritz

After struggling with marijuana addiction, Fritz came to YSS. Now 10 months sober, he is back in high school taking a college-level course and looking at what the future might hold.

Charlie

Charlie

Charlie—a young mother with a two-year-old daughter—enrolled in Family Development and Self-Sufficiency (FaDSS) to pursue education that would allow her to find a better job.

Invest in Hope and Opportunity

YSS is proud to be one of the oldest and largest nonprofits in the state. Our programs impact tens of thousands of youth and families each year—but none of that would be possible without the generosity and support of our donors. Your gift can help youth achieve their dreams. Your gift can bring hope and opportunity. Your gift can save lives.

Give Now Other Ways to Help

Our Impact

99%

of YSS Kids Club youth maintained or increased their academic performance

301

kids paired with a mentor

91%

of youth and families reported an increase in overall health

12981

families served

Resources

Articles

Read about recovery tips, ways to support a loved one, and more.

On-Demand Webinars

Learn about ways to support your recovery through our webinar library.

Support Groups

Learn more about group counseling opportunities for youth of all ages and our adult-only therapy group.

Events

Get involved with YSS through volunteering, fun youth activities, and networking and advocacy events.

Accreditations & Funding

Carf logo

YSS is nationally accredited by CARF.

Psychology logo

YSS is verified by Psychology Today

Variety logo

YSS is funded by Variety – the Children’s Charity

United way logo

YSS is a United Way funded agency.