IHYC Celebrates Youth and Supporters at Achievement Tea

On May 16, Iowa Homeless Youth Centers (IHYC) hosted its annual Achievement Tea at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens. The event celebrates outstanding youth, volunteers, and community partners.

The following award winners were recognized:

Volunteer Award: Jeffrey Pate

Community Partner Award: GreenState Credit Union

Youth Achievement Awards

• Youth Opportunity Center: Treshawn
• Rapid Re-housing: Leia
• Lighthouse: Rontazah
• Aftercare: Hailey
• Post-Secondary Education Retention Program (PSERP): Abigail

Andrew Allen, YSS President & CEO, gave welcoming remarks. He thanked Toby O’Berry for his years of service and dedication as Director of IHYC, then announced Lisa Behrends as the new director of IHYC. Lisa emceed the event and provided updates on new initiatives in Des Moines, including the IHYC Rooftop Gardens project that will open later this year.

More than 200 people attended the Achievement Tea, which was sponsored by Sammons Financial, Martha James, Community State Bank, and the Torgerson Endowment. Irene’s Flowers donated the centerpieces.

A YSS organization based in Des Moines, IHYC works to eliminate homelessness among children, youth, and young families. The IHYC Youth Opportunity Center on Locust Street offers drop-in services for youth experiencing homelessness, including emergency beds, daily meals, a food pantry, art studio, computer lab, and therapy services.

IHYC services not only meet the immediate needs of homeless youth, but help them find safe housing and prepare for the future. Additional programs include Rapid Rehousing for young adults; Lighthouse for young families; Aftercare services for youth who have aged out of foster care; and PSERP to assist young adults in achieving their education goals.

Advocates and staff at IHYC work one-on-one with youth to help them find jobs, make a financial plan, and overcome other obstacles to self-sufficiency.

Learn more about IHYC.