YSS Francis Lauer Renamed ‘YSS of North Iowa’

Effective immediately, YSS has renamed its community-based center in Mason City from “YSS Francis Lauer” to “YSS of North Iowa.”

For over 40 years, the center has provided essential services to local youth and families. Previously known as Francis Lauer Youth Services, the organization merged with YSS in 2016 to become YSS Francis Lauer.

The new name, YSS of North Iowa, further brings the organization in alignment with the names and overall branding of YSS’s other community-based centers that include YSS of Marshall County, YSS of Boone County, and YSS of Hamilton County.

“The only thing changing is the name. The wonderful staff, effective programs, and extensive impact will remain as it always has,” said Andrew Allen, YSS President & CEO. “We are excited to have a name that is consistent with our other centers and fully represents what this center does, which is provide YSS services for the entire northern part of the state.”

Based is Mason City, this center is the northern-most location for YSS—bringing essential programs to local families when they need it most. YSS of North Iowa offers counseling services including psychiatric medication management, crisis stabilization, emergency shelter, and aftercare for foster care alumni. The center is led by Director Sara Lindquist.

YSS of North Iowa is one of six YSS locations across the state—with headquarters in Ames and additional offices in Des Moines, Boone, Marshalltown, Mason City, and Webster City. YSS tailors its services to fit the highest needs of each community. Furthermore, each location has its own advisory board made up of local community members to drive decisions that impact their own neighborhoods.

Learn more about YSS of North Iowa.