Former Educator Finds Fulfillment in Community Engagement

Shirley Nelson retired in June after 34 years in Iowa’s public school system. But for her, this is not an end, but a continuation of a life-long journey dedicated to serving others.

“I was hoping to find a part-time job that would be more than a job, but a bit of a mission,” she says.

When the phone rang and she was offered the role of Community Engagement Coordinator at YSS of Hamilton County, she knew it was “the perfect link for me to be able to serve my community.” Shirley’s connection to YSS began in her years as a foster parent alongside her husband. Several of the children under their care were clients of YSS.

A life-long Hamilton County native, Shirley has always called this close-knit community home. After graduating from Northeast Hamilton, she dedicated 24 years of her career to the same school and later worked at South Hamilton in Jewell for a decade. At YSS, Shirley welcomes clients with warmth, answers calls, collaborates with therapists, serves as a liaison to local organizations, engages with the advisory board, and spearheads fundraising initiatives.

“I have a renewed awareness of the needs for mental health care in our community,” Shirley says. “I am thankful to be able to be here to do what I can to fill the needs.”

YSS of Hamilton County offers licensed mental health therapists who help individuals, couples, and families overcome their obstacles. YSS offers many services, including substance use counseling, mental health therapy, and more.

Shirley emphasizes the significant impact YSS has on not just her home county, but the entire state, drawing parallels with her experiences in public schools and foster parenting. Seeing first-hand how YSS is creating hope and opportunity across Iowa has reinforced her commitment to a life of service.

Outside of YSS, Shirley spends time with her grandchildren and traveling. Retirement has afforded her the luxury of balancing work and personal pursuits, allowing her to savor every moment. As she embraces her retirement years, she does so with a sense of purpose, echoing the values instilled in her when she was young.

“I was very fortunate to grow up in a family, a church, and a community that believes that serving is what we are here for,” Shirley says. “That is how I want to spend my retirement.”