YSS of North Iowa unveils new look

YSS of North Iowa unveiled its remodeled campus on March 7 with a ribbon cutting, marking the end of a $4 million renovation that began in 2020.

The new space provides an environment where families dealing with trauma can get the help that they need in a place that makes them feel comfortable. We placed an emphasis on trauma-informed care and design, offering a welcoming environment that is conducive to recovery.

“If you walked through this space a year ago, it was very institutional – whatever the opposite of hope and opportunity was – is kind of what you felt when you walked in here,” YSS President and CEO Andrew Allen said. “(Now) this place is fresh; this space exudes hope and opportunity.”

Several community members and government officials were on hand. Shannon Wooge, the Community Advisory Board Chair of YSS of North Iowa, shared a story of how her family was affected by mental health. Other speakers shared their own stories – highlighting the importance of YSS programs.

“This is a place for one out of two of us,” Allen said, citing that one in two people will suffer from a mental health disorder in their life and one in six will be affected by substance abuse. “I’m so grateful for everybody that came to the table to get this done.”

YSS of North Iowa offers counseling services, crisis stabilization, emergency shelter, and aftercare for foster care alumni. Beginning later this year, Ember Recovery will be offering the first and only addiction treatment program in Iowa specifically for young adult males, ages 18-24. This program will debut at YSS of North Iowa.

“We will launch a residential substance use disorder treatment program for young adults – the first in the state,” Allen said. “We’re going to focus on 18-to-24-year-olds. We know young adults need specialized treatment.”

A new wellness center that includes a gym area with basketball hoops and a volleyball court, as well as an exercise room, opened in 2021. It was part of the Building Hope Community Campaign.

“Our new space provides an environment where families dealing with trauma can get the help they need in a place that makes them feel comfortable,” YSS of North Iowa campus director Brittany Behr said. “It makes me happy to give back to my own community. I get to play a part and impact the people and families from where I grew up.”

For over 50 years, YSS of North Iowa – rebranded from YSS Francis Lauer last year – has provided hope and opportunity to youth. The Mason City community-based center is the northernmost location for YSS — bringing much-needed services to families in this part of the state.

“This is my dream, dream job. I get to go to work for the organization that saved my life,” said Allen, who is a 1995 alumnus of YSS. “I’m just so grateful for the vision that existed to get this thing done.”

-March 13, 2024