YSS Recovery Scholarship Recipients Announced

YSS is pleased to announce the 2022 recipients of the YSS Collegiate Recovery Scholarship: Trinity and Michael.

The scholarship was created last year by Mary Ann and Jim Black, a long-time YSS donor and member of the YSS Corporate Board of Directors. The funds support successful graduates of the YSS Residential Addiction Treatment program as they strive to achieve their goals through higher education.

Trinity found YSS at age 16 after trying other inpatient and outpatient treatments. She says the gender-responsive approach and passionate staff at YSS helped turn her life around. During her four-month stay, Trinity made a plan for her future, caught up on schoolwork, and did a lot of reading.

“I will always remember my YSS graduation, where my mom thanked the YSS staff for bringing me back,” Trinity explains. “To this day, that is one of my leading reasons to stay sober.”

After graduating from the program, Trinity continued her schooling online and graduated high school early. In addition, she got a part-time job to build up her savings. This fall, she was accepted at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC), where she plans to get her associate’s degree in science before transferring to Iowa State University to study astronomy.

“Without YSS, I would not be the person that I am today,” Trinity says. “YSS pushed me to my limits and made me realize how important life is and to not take it for granted. I have hope and motivation for a better future.”

When Michael began the Residential Addiction Treatment program at YSS Francis Lauer, he was a high school senior with freshmen credits. While at YSS, Michael not only addressed his struggles with substance use—he was able to catch up in school and graduate with his class in May.

Today, he is enrolled at The Salon Professional Academy in Cedar Falls, where he is pursuing his dream of becoming a barber. Michael explains he taught himself how to cut hair by watching YouTube videos, then practiced on his friends over the years.

“I have a passion for it, and I’m very good at what I do,” Michael explains. “I’m excited to start my career as a barber and open my own shop one day.”

Michael says he often shares his personal story with clients, especially those who are struggling with addiction themselves. “I tell them everything that’s happened to me and share what I learned at YSS,” he says.

The YSS Collegiate Recovery Scholarship will provide support for the 14-month program at The Salon Professional Academy, for which Michael drives 85 miles roundtrip each day to attend classes.

“Any little bit helps,” he says.

Trinity agrees. “This scholarship will not only help me go to college, but to keep pushing myself forward in the right direction,” she says.

Learn more about YSS Residential Addiction Treatment.