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.

Donate to the campus  Search jobs at Ember

 

Explore Campus!

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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

 

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Ember Visionaries
$500,000+
CICS - $15 million
State of Iowa - $6 million
Adele & Dean Bowden - $1.5 million
Jill & todd Klindt - $1 million
Linda & Tom Koehn - $1 million
Variety - The Children's Charity - $1 million
Sharon & Jeff Becker
Jan & George Beran
Mary Ann & Jim Black
Lohse Family Foundation Fund
Prairie Meadows Legacy Grant
Slide
Ember Champions
$250,000+
Renewable Energy Group
Underwood Family Foundation
The Sehgal Family Foundation
Slide
Ember Innovators
$100,000+
JoAnn & Curtis Clark
Jon, Emily, Phil & Susan Sargent
Pam & Dan Sargent
Wise Family Foundation
Fareway Stores, Inc.
Slide
Ember Builders
$50,000+
Jacqueline Woodin
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Ember Supporters
$25,000+
Lynell Dougherty
Randi and Steve Peters
Monica and Max Porter
Nancy and Keith Swanson
Erin and Noah Wendt
Kathi and Larry Zimpleman
Slide
Ember Friends
Frances and Roger Armstrong
Sue and Bill Ballard
Rick Bartosh
George Belitsos and Peter Wolfe
Barbara Bellizzi
Sarah and J. Ben Buck
Callyn's Crusaders
Collin Cheatham
Margaret and William Connet
Patricia and Michael Bird
Darrell Jebsen
Sheryl and David Thomas
Ellen Corwin
Paula Curran
Bradley Duckstein
Judi and Gary Eyles
Allison and Jim Fleming
Clare and James Frevert
Mary Gallagher
Glenn Goecke
Henry G. and Norma A. Peterson Trust
Jerry Jones
Pat and Louis Banitt
Bonnie and David Orth
Theresa and Renald Bernard
Karen and Thomas Smith
Dianna Jordan
Roberta Milinsky
Patricia Miller
Mary Neubauer and Larry Loss
Patty and Jim Cownie Charitable Fund
Gerald Peterson
Julene Powell
Carolyn and Scott Raymond
Mary Kay and Dennis Rhodes
Chris and Todd Berryhill
Gina and Mark Erickson
Allison and Thomas Greenwald
Mary Jo and Jack Swanson
Shannon Rose
Betty and Rodney Ruppel
Evelyn and Richard Shibles
Suzy and John Shierholz
Linda Simpson
Judy Stammeyer
Karen Wagner
Skip Walter
Karen and Jonathan Wickert
Melissa and Austin Woodin
Julie and Greg Perkins
Stephen VanHouten
Amy and Greg Hawthorne
Jean and Selden Spencer
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