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A Shared Commitment to Hope and Opportunity

People give to YSS for many reasons, but the common thread is the impact YSS has on youth and families across Iowa. Whether it’s a deeply personal connection, a commitment to community, or a desire to support a trusted organization, YSS continues to inspire generosity from donors who want to create hope and opportunity by putting kids first.

YSS President and CEO Andrew Allen, Jill Klindt, Todd Klindt, and YSS Foundation Executive Director Kara Warme.

For some, the reason is personal. Brian Lohse recalls the challenges his family faced trying to find treatment for his son’s substance abuse. “When Andrew Allen approached us about what would become Ember Recovery Campus, we immediately recognized it as the answer for families like ours,” Brian said. “There were no options in Iowa for young adults in recovery, and knowing YSS was building that capacity was a huge relief.”

Other donors, like Jill and Todd Klindt, are motivated by the chance to create hope and opportunity for the next generation. “We’ve always believed in the importance of giving back and supporting our community. When we first saw Ember Recovery Campus, it blew us away! It’s an audacious and amazing project, and we knew we had to be part of it,” Todd said. “Supporting YSS is a way to show our children the value of philanthropy and how helping others can make a real difference.”

For some families, giving to YSS is a tradition passed down through generations. Tori Haverkamp – who recently volunteered her time to help prepare rooms at Ember Recovery Campus – shared why she and her husband, Brent, are involved with YSS: “As parents and grandparents, we know that growing up today can be hard. That’s why YSS is so important. They provide a lifeline not just for kids, but for entire families, guiding them toward health and wholeness.”

Tori and Brent Haverkamp and their grandchildren.

The Importance of Unrestricted Gifts

During capital campaigns and large projects like Ember Recovery Campus, unrestricted gifts remain crucial for YSS’s day-to-day operations.

These gifts fund the more than 40 programs YSS offers, from substance abuse treatment to mental health services. Brent and Tori Haverkamp, for example, made a $40,000 unrestricted gift after visiting the Ember construction site.

Brent acknowledged on the tour how unrestricted gifts are a vote of confidence in a non-profit agency and its mission. At YSS, they’re an investment in the staff who work tirelessly to create hope and opportunity every day.

Whether it’s through personal experiences, a commitment to community, or a family tradition of giving, YSS donors know that their support helps create a lasting impact. From funding critical services to building spaces for healing and recovery, your generosity makes a real difference for Iowa’s youth.

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