Ember Recovery Campus
Welcome to Ember!
YSS is excited to announce plans for a new campus near Cambridge, Iowa. Located in a serene, nature-based setting, Ember Recovery Campus will provide crisis stabilization, emergency shelter, and residential addiction treatment for youth and young adults.
We are excited to announce the official campus name: Ember. A small glowing fragment of a fire that can be revived, Ember reminds families and youth there is always hope. There is still enough fire in their hearts to overcome life’s challenges.
About the Project
Thanks to generous friends, donors, and a transformational investment from CICS and the state of Iowa, YSS is planning to create a place that will provide treatment and support for Iowa youth.
A modern, homelike residential space will complement and enhance YSS services. The best-in-class facility will include retreat-style cottages, wellness and recreation areas, nature trails, and therapy spaces.
Our vision for Ember:
- Multi-building campus that takes a holistic approach to treatment and recovery
- Nature-based environment that supports mental wellbeing
- Centrally located and close to other community-based services and YSS headquarters in Ames
- A safe and welcoming place that complements YSS’s successful, wrap-around services
- Shared spaces specifically designed with youth’s needs in mind
In addition to upgraded facilities, we’re adapting and enhancing our programs and approach to give youth new tools. The additional support extends beyond our facilities and includes an alumni network for peer support and innovations such as a collegiate recovery program.
Construction Update: Summer 2024
Campus Designs
Get Involved
You can be part of this amazing project focused on youth mental health and addiction services in Central Iowa.
Champion
Champion our cause.
Contact us to get involved, receive more information and help make this campus a reality.
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
- 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
