IHYC Hosts Annual Achievement Tea

On Aug. 9, 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 for the nonprofit.

A YSS organization, IHYC works to eliminate homelessness among children, youth, and young families. The organization offers programs including: Rapid Re-housing and a Lighthouse to provide safe and transitional living for young families; Aftercare services for youth who have aged out of foster care; and the Post-Secondary Education Retention Program (PSERP) to assist young adults in achieving their education goals.

The IHYC Youth Opportunity Center in downtown Des Moines offers emergency beds, daily meals, a food pantry, art studio, computer lab, and access to resources, counseling, and more.

The award winners recognized at the IHYC Achievement Tea displayed strength and resilience in achieving their goals related to housing, education, employment, and more. Sammons Financial Group Companies sponsored the event, which offered a traditional tea and inspiring speeches from youth.

The following award winners were recognized:

Volunteer Award
• Alison Kanne

Community Partner Award
• Jack Hatch and Michael Keirnan

Youth Achievement Awards
• Keishaun, Youth Opportunity Center
• Reisha, Rapid Re-housing
• Laparish, Lighthouse
• Kieran, Aftercare
• Imma, PSERP

Learn more about IHYC.