Ember Recovery Campus
Welcome to Ember Recovery Campus!
Ember Recovery Campus is now open! Nestled in a serene, nature-based setting near Cambridge, Iowa, Ember provides crisis stabilization and residential addiction treatment for youth and young adults.
At Ember, we believe in second chances and new beginnings. Like a small glowing ember that can be reignited into a strong flame, our campus serves as a place of hope, healing, and transformation for young people overcoming life’s challenges.
Need help? Call 515-882-5190 Refer a client to Ember
Thanks to the generosity of our friends, donors, and a transformational investment from CICS and the state of Iowa, Ember Recovery Campus is now open!
Designed to provide treatment and support for Iowa youth, Ember offers a modern, homelike environment where healing begins. Our best-in-class campus features retreat-style cabins, wellness and recreation areas, nature trails, and therapy spaces—all thoughtfully designed to support recovery and wellbeing.
Our vision is now a reality:
- A multi-building campus that takes a holistic approach to treatment and recovery
- A nature-based environment that fosters mental wellness
- A central location near Ames, ensuring access to community resources
- A safe, welcoming space that complements YSS’s wrap-around services
- Shared spaces designed specifically to meet the needs of youth
At Ember Recovery Campus, we’re not only providing state-of-the-art facilities—we’re also enhancing our programs to give youth the tools they need to succeed. Our support extends beyond campus, offering resources like a peer-driven alumni network and an innovative collegiate recovery program, ensuring young people have the guidance and community they need for lasting recovery.
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Get Involved in Phase 2!
You can still be part of this amazing project. As we continue to grow Ember Recovery Campus, Phase 2 is focused on strengthening our full continuum of care while ensuring long-term safety, security, and sustainability. This next phase includes vital enhancements – including a ‘Maintenance Shop’ Training Center for workforce development. Additionally, an endowment will help secure Ember’s future for generations to come. Join us in making these life-changing opportunities a reality. Your support fuels hope, healing, and brighter futures.
Champion
Champion our cause.
Contact us to get involved, receive more information.
Invite
Invite other people to come along with YSS on our journey.
Tell your friends and family about this transformational project, which will impact youth around the state.
Invest
Invest your time, treasure and talents.
Give to YSS, or contact YSS President & CEO Andrew Allen at AAllen@yss.org to learn how you can support the campus project.
In the News
- Ames Tribune’s People to Watch 2025: How YSS’s CEO overcame addiction to become its leader
- New $30M campus represents ‘largest investment in children’s behavioral health’ in Iowa
- YSS to open $30 million youth addiction treatment campus inspired by nature
- Biggest project to date from YSS is weeks away from opening
- $30 million Ember Recovery Campus for youth and young adults nears completion
- Iowa State researcher leads emerging field of trauma-informed environmental design
- Road to Recovery
- Leaders hope $13 million campus makes central Iowa a destination for youth recovery
- YSS to move forward with construction of youth recovery campus with $10M commitment from CICS
- Constant and healing’: Iowa State professor consults YSS nature-based trauma-informed design
- Campus Unveiling
- YSS announces new youth recovery campus
- YSS announces new facility plans
- YSS unveils plans, name for new nature-based youth recovery campus
