YSS of Story County

Ames serves as the headquarters for YSS in a historic downtown building that was originally home to the city’s fire and police department, jail, and city council.

In addition, YSS offers a counseling clinic, youth shelter, and two residential addiction treatment houses in Ames. We are proud to be part of the Ames community, and we are grateful for our partnerships with local organizations as well as Iowa State University.

Our Location

Ames Headquarters
420 Kellogg Ave.
Ames, IA 50010

Phone: 515-233-3141
Email: yss@yss.org
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

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Our Programs

Addiction Treatment

Our Ember Recovery program provides evidence-based, residential treatment for youth with substance use disorder. Learn more.

Afterschool & Summer Programs

YSS Kids Club offers fun and engaging care for elementary kids before/after school and during the summer. Learn more.

Crisis Stabilization

We provide short-term care for youth experiencing an acute mental health, behavioral health, or substance use issue. Learn more.

Emergency Shelter

Our Rosedale Shelter offers a safe place for youth in crisis—with food, clothing, hygiene items, and support. Learn more.

Foster Care Advocacy & Aftercare

YSS is the lead agency for two groups who support current and former foster care youth: AMP and the Iowa Aftercare Services Network. Learn more.

Mentoring

The YSS Mentoring program builds positive relationships through school-based and community-based mentoring. Learn more.

Pregnancy & Parenting Education

Our Nest and Healthy Futures programs provide parenting education and supplies for young mothers. Learn more.

Prevention

We prepare kids to make healthy and positive choices through school and community programming. Learn more.

Supportive Housing

YSS offers individualized support and rental assistance for young adults experiencing homelessness. Learn more.

Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (vIOP)

Our licensed providers offer a myriad of behavioral health services to clients of all ages. Learn more.

YSS Family Counseling Clinic

At our clinic, YSS providers offer a variety of services, including mental health therapy, substance use counseling, integrated health services, psychiatric services and medication management, access and visitation program, OWI evaluations, and behavioral health intervention services.

YSS Family Counseling Clinic
125 South 3rd Street
Ames, IA 50010
515-233-2250

Ember Recovery Campus

Ember Recovery has helped over 5,000 youth find hope and sobriety. Located in Cambridge, Iowa, the program offers a home-like environment for youth and young adults to begin their recovery journey.

Ember Recovery
32385 580th Ave
Cambridge, IA 50046
515-373-9088
admissions@emberrecovery.org
emberrecovery.org

This place didn’t only save me, but it saved my future.

-2025 Ember Recovery Alumnus

I know my kids are safe and taken care of. It’s so great that the program is right at the school.

-Parent of YSS Kids Club client

Riley’s Story

At 16, Riley was heading down a bad path—smoking weed, hanging out with older friends. But it wasn’t until she was facing a felony charge that she knew she needed help. She and her dad found Ember Recovery in Ames.

In the program, Riley overcame her obstacles and learned to focus on her wellbeing. She grew close to the other girls in the house, explored new hobbies, and benefited from individual and group therapy. Today, Riley lives in Florida with her own apartment and a job she loves. She credits Ember Recovery and YSS with changing the direction of her life.

“If it weren’t for YSS, I wouldn’t have finished high school. I would have kept going down the path I was on and probably ended up in jail,” Riley says. “The program helped me so much. I’ll always remember it.”

Our Leadership

Andrew allen

YSS President & CEO
aallen@yss.org

YSS CORPORATE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chair: James Bucher
Vice Chair: Laura Jolly

See a full list of board members.