YSS of Marshall County

For over 40 years, YSS of Marshall County has created hope and opportunity for local families. With a community-based approach, YSS’s services are tailored to fit the unique needs of Marshalltown youth.

YSS of Marshall County provides mental health therapy, foster care support, supportive housing programs, and more for youth. Our office is located in the heart of Marshalltown— we collaborate with local businesses, and our YSS of Marshall County Community Advisory Board ensures we’re making decisions for the betterment of the community.

Our Location

YSS of Marshall County
22 North Center Street
Marshalltown, IA 50158

Phone: 641-752-2300
Follow us on Facebook.

Our Programs

Foster Care Advocacy & Aftercare

YSS provides aftercare support for young adults who have aged out of foster care or other out-of-home placement.

Supportive Housing

IHYC offers individualized support and rental assistance for young adults experiencing homelessness.

MPACT

YSS of Marshall County partnered with the Marshalltown Police Department to launch a community outreach program called MPACT (Marshalltown Police and Community Team). The program dispatches YSS social workers to accompany police officers on calls involving mental illness, family conflict, substance use, and emotional/behavioral situations. The presence of these social workers helps minimize the stress and anxiety that can lead to unnecessary arrests and use of force.

Equine Therapy

YSS of Marshall County is the only location that offers equine assisted psychotherapies. Horses have a unique ability to sense and reflect the client’s emotional state. Being around horses lowers clients’ blood pressure and heart rate, alleviates stress, and reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression. The practice allows clients to process and confront their mental health needs with our YSS licensed therapist.

Art Therapy

YSS of Marshall County focuses on using art in our youth programs and therapy services. Art provides an emotional release, helps reduce anxiety, and allows clients to process their feelings. Many kids who might not be as open in a traditional therapy setting feel more comfortable talking with this creative outlet.

“The therapists at YSS can help you through anything. It’s important to talk to someone you can trust, who understands you, who can help you deal with things.”
-Leila

“Honestly, I don’t know what I would do without that support from YSS. It feels like a family to me. They help me in so many ways—it’s amazing.”
-Yuli

95% of Marshalltown police officers reported seeing a benefit of MPACT in the first year

350+ calls YSS advocates responded to in the first year of the IMPACT program

97.5% Of youth in the YSS Aftercare Program reported having supportive relationships

Kiera’s Story

Thirteen-year-old Kiera can attest to why the MPACT program is so important. As she was attempting to enter a local elementary school to retrieve a phone charger, the Marshalltown police were called. Because of Kiera’s age and the apparent situation, a YSS community advocate accompanied police to the scene.

Our advocate worked to calm an understandably upset teenage girl. In addition to the trauma of the moment, she learned Kiera had been dealing with mental health issues—ones her parents didn’t know about. The conversation made Kiera realize she needed help, and she was connected to services through YSS of Marshall County.

Kiera credits the experience and the resulting therapy as important steps to getting to a healthier place.

Our Leadership

David Hicks

Senior Director of Community Engagement
dhicks@yss.org

YSS of Marshall County Community Advisory Board

Chair: Amy Pieper

See a full list of board members.