Governor Kim Reynolds Visits Ember Recovery Campus

Gov. Kim Reynolds toured the grounds at Ember Recovery Campus and marveled at the progress.

“So much has changed since last time I was here,” Reynolds said as she walked toward newly-framed gymnasium – one of the prominent buildings on the 53-acre campus near Cambridge.

YSS President and CEO Andrew Allen guided the governor and youth from Ember Recovery programs through lodge and cabins. Ember Recovery Campus will provide crisis stabilization, 70 beds for emergency shelter, and residential addiction treatment for youth and young adults.

“It’s so, so, important we provide services like this,” Reynolds said. “Especially for kids.” One in six people struggle with substance abuse in their lifetime – and 90% start as a teen.

The governor spent time with the youth answering questions and sharing stories of her own struggles.

“At some point you have to believe in yourself,” Reynolds said. “Because if you don’t, it’s going to be hard to convince anybody else. And what a great place to have that help.”

A modern, homelike residential space that will complement and enhance YSS services is taking shape at the campus. The best-in-class facility will include retreat-style cabins, wellness and recreation areas, nature trails, and therapy spaces.

Until the trails are completed, it’s easier to take the UTV to the more scenic parts of the grounds – like the pond. With Allen behind the wheel the governor was off to see the more rugged terrain of the 53-acre campus.

Ember Campus is scheduled to open in 2024. Ember Recovery is YSS’s inpatient addiction treatment program for youth (ages 12-18). Ember Recovery believes in treating the whole self. Our treatment addresses addiction, trauma, grief, loss, or other challenges to health and well-being—all in an environment focused on recovery. We offer a variety of drug and alcohol recovery programs and mental health therapies to address the needs of teens.

“So many people think addiction or struggle is something that will hold you down,” Allen said. “But the reality is, if you stick through this, if you stay sober, it becomes the foundation for a new life.”