A world where youth are valued and empowered to stand strong.
Our Impact
- 345 kids were paired with a mentor
- 639 youth in Des Moines benefitted from outreach services
- Treatment services provided 13,820 counseling sessions
- 6279 families served
*2017 Data
Our Mission
To create hope and opportunity by putting kids first.
Our Core Values
Commitment + Collaboration + Compassion + Innovation + Integrity + “Can Do” Spirit
Our Leadership
The YSS leadership team represents a diverse array of specialties and expertise, with an overarching commitment to our mission of creating hope and opportunity by putting kids first.
Our Boards
Judy Albritton
Boone Middle School
Nahla Atroon
Youth Representative
Jim Black
James R. Black & Associates
Gary Botine
Mary Greeley Medical Center
Martino Harmon
Iowa State University
Tim Day
Iowa State University
Sonya Fox
Hamilton Funeral Home
Matthew Gogerty
Corporate Communications
Patrick Kremer
Marshall/Hardin County Advisory Board
Eileen Patterson
Iowa State University
Randi Peters
VenuWorks
Mike Phillips
Greater Iowa Credit Union
Monica Porter
ISU Foundation (Retired)
Keith Robinder
Iowa State University
Julie Huisman
Suzy Shierholz
Story County Community Foundation (Retired)
Brian Torresi
Davis Brown Law Firm
Austin Woodin
Edward Jones
Connie Ingraham
Webster Custom Meats
Lindsey Long
Iowa State Athletics Development
Judy Albritton
Boone Middle School
Jim Baker
McDonald's Restaurants
Jim Black
James R. Black & Associates
Rod Copple
Green Hills Community (Life Care Services)
Barb Franzen
Business Owner and Banker (Retired)
Kim Houston
Burke Corporation
John Kinley
School Administrator (Retired)
Sophia Magill
ISU Federal Relations
Cliff McClure
Meadowbrook Builders LLC
Victoria Ostendorf
Youth Representative
John Russell
Bankers Trust
Charles Small
Iowa State University
Vicki Sukup
Keith Swanson
Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management
Rosa Unal
ISU Foundation
Mary Wells
Principal (Retired)
Karen Wickert
Chemist (Retired)
Boone County
Judy Albritton
Deanna Anderson
Carolyn Finnestad
Lorraine Hamel
Sandi Johnson
Robin Jones
Leone Junck
Kameryn Newcomb
Deb Nugent
Joyce Peterson
Joseph Russell
Geralyn Timm
Judy Tungesvik
Gregg Williams
*Emeritus:
Marlene Moffitt
Gloria Stearns
Hamilton County
Sonia Rodriquez
Marian Johnson
Doug Bailey
Kathy Birkestrand
Ron Birkestrand
Barb Franzen
Logan Welch
Connie Ingraham
Jean Kayser
Thomas McLaughlin
Gayle Olson
Francis Lauer
Youth Services
Raymond Beebe
Laura Olander
Jennifer White
Regan Banks
Shannon Wooge
Tracy Worley
Tracy Wynn
Eve Zimmerman
Jesse Watters
Pat Tomson
Marshall County
Amber Danielson
Meri Edel
Kaylee Howe
Patrick Kremer
Fred Lembke
Norma Meade
Guadalupe Merlos Garcia
Amy Pieper
Mike Tupper
Chris Vaughn
Eastern Story County
Meagan Ausborn-Henderson
Chris Brandes
Kim Houston
Eileen Patterson
Sue Seaton
Phelan Birchmier
Ricardo Martinez
Stephanie Spence
Iowa Homeless Youth Centers
Marcy Baker
Joseph Barrett
Judy Blank
Gina Christian
Sonny Fox
Mark Linder
Angela Lose
Cliff McClure
Lori Neely
Mary Oliver
Amy Oliver-Peters
Erin Peterson
Mary Sheka
Jeremy Staun
Betty Torgerson
Libby Zaletel
Joe Tallman
Laura Jontz
*Emeritus:
Marguerite Boss
Linda Cowger-Russel
Lois Ichelson
Gene Loverink
Michael Myszewski
David Repp
Dave Vaudt
Dee Wright
Careers
If you’re interested in helping children, youth and their families have a brighter future, you may be a good fit for YSS. Whether you’re a seasoned professional, or just getting started, there are many rewarding positions available across the state. View current openings, learn more about our benefits and apply today.
A Brief History
Locations
No matter where you are in Iowa, we’re here to help. Use the map below to find a YSS location near you.
