Foster care youth gathered at the Iowa State Capitol Rotunda on Jan. 30, 2025, for the annual AMP Day on the Hill. The event opened...
Director David Hicks Honored by Iowa Wild

David Hicks, Director of Community Engagement at YSS of Marshall County, was recently named an Iowa Wild Community Hero. He was featured on the videoboard during the March 27 game between the Iowa Wild and Chicago Wolves at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.
The Iowa Wild Community Hero program honors and recognizes community heroes who extend a hand and make a difference in Central Iowa.
According to the Iowa Wild website, “These individuals have distinguished themselves by selflessly working or volunteering in fields that care for, serve, teach, protect, and improve the lives of others who are most in need, around the corner or around the globe.”
For over 25 years, Hicks has been dedicated to helping youth and families in his community through YSS of Marshall County. He was instrumental in launching MPACT in coordination with the Marshalltown Police Department last year. The innovative program dispatches YSS social workers to accompany police officers on calls involving mental illness, family conflict, substance abuse, or emotional/behavioral situations.
Hicks also oversaw the renovation of the old Marshalltown Police Department building into the new YSS of Marshall County headquarters, after the former YSS office space was destroyed by a tornado in 2018.
“This guy is a true hero for us,” said Jackie Schmillen, emcee for the Iowa Wild, during Hicks’ in-game ceremony. “He’s always trying to seek the best outcome for youth and families in need.”
The crowd responded with a standing ovation for Hicks.
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