A Steadfast Advocate for Youth and Community Collaboration

Hope Metheny has been a rock for youth at YSS, all while keeping her eyes on a brick. Her nearly two decades of service have been marked by transitions and connections, reflecting her passion for making a positive contribution. And this month, her impact was cemented as she was honored by the Iowa Finance Authority with the Mark Sertterh Friend of Housing Award at the 2024 HousingIowa Conference in Des Moines on Sept. 4.

Hope’s journey began after she graduated from Iowa State University in 2005. She joined YSS in the residential sector, where she worked closely with youth undergoing drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Over her five years as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), Hope developed a profound understanding of the challenges faced by young individuals in recovery. However, she found the short-term nature of residential treatment limiting.

“I was really wanted to have a longer-term commitment to the youth,” Hope says. “In residential treatment, you would see the kids for 90 days and then they were gone. In transitional housing you can really work with someone and see their growth for a long time.”

Hope moved to transitional housing in 2011. In her new role, she could work with individuals for up to two years, providing stability and continuous support. This shift allowed Hope to witness and contribute to significant milestones in the lives of the young people she mentored, from completing high school and college to starting their careers.

“It’s really rewarding,” Hope says. “We’ve had people text us pictures of their baby. They find ways to stay in touch with us.”

Years after they have left the program, many youth reach out to Hope for advice or seek help with new challenges. Hope treasures these ongoing connections, seeing them as a testament to the lasting impact of her support and mentorship.

“In our programs, you get to be a role model,” Hope explains. “You are modeling the behavior and you’re teaching the skills.”

Hope’s dedication extends beyond direct client interactions. As the Grant Director for YSS, she has played a crucial role in securing funding to sustain and expand the organization’s services. Her expertise in grant writing has brought in significant resources, including federal grants aimed at homelessness and human trafficking prevention. Yet, Hope values every contribution equally, from large federal grants to smaller local donations, recognizing that each one plays a vital part in supporting the youth and their needs.

Throughout her career, Hope has been a strong advocate for collaboration and community partnerships. She believes by working together with other agencies and maintaining relationships with funders, YSS can continue to deliver high-quality, client-centered services. Her efforts have not only brought financial resources but also fostered a culture of continuous improvement and adaptability within the organization.

Hope says she thrives on the daily “chaos” of her job, embracing each unpredictable day with a sense of purpose. This dynamic environment keeps her motivated and committed, knowing that each day offers a new opportunity to make a difference.

Hope is a pillar of positive change within the community. Her work has touched countless lives, providing not only immediate support but also long-term hope and empowerment for young individuals striving to overcome adversity. After one more year of service at YSS, she’ll have her brick, too. Employees who have been with the company for 20 years are honored with their name on a commemorative brick outside of YSS headquarters in Ames.

“We saw David (Hicks) taking a picture of his brick,” Hope says. “That’ll be me someday.”