Contributions

Dear Friends,

Youth & Shelter Services of Eastern Story County partners with communities to provide comprehensive prevention services that advocate for children, youth, and families and promote healthy behaviors and choices. The office, located in Nevada, provides residents of Collins, Colo, Maxwell, McCallsburg, Nevada, and Zearing with prevention, youth development, intervention, and counseling services close to home.

Local donors make it possible for staff, volunteer mentors and our young people to make and sustain significant relationships. One family recently celebrated a high school graduation after YSS staff collaborated to provide crisis intervention, counseling and outpatient substance abuse treatment services. This past year, our Great Relationships in Pairs (G.R.I.P.) one-to-one mentoring relationships encouraged 70 elementary and middle school students, promoting their well-being and increasing student achievement. Child safety, substance abuse prevention and youth development staff offered school-based programs and supported youth-led groups, building relationships with more than 800 children and youth in Eastern Story County. Children and teens demonstrate attitude and behavior changes including greater self-reliance, healthier decision-making, and more realistic perceptions of substance abuse risk and peer drug use. Thank you for your on-going support of these significant relationships and services!

We are celebrating the 25th Anniversary of YSS in Eastern Story County this year. To honor this wonderful milestone, the Endow Youth Services Close to Home endowment campaign was launched. More than $50,000 towards a $100,000 goal has already been raised. Increasing our endowment will allow us to provide the services that are vital to the youth and families of Eastern Story County in perpetuity.

Our programs and services add to the quality of life in Eastern Story County. We hope you will join your friends and neighbors with a special gift to this anniversary campaign in 2010. Donate online or download an endowment campaign pledge form here and return to the YSS of Eastern Story County office in Nevada. Please contact Barb Mittman (515-382-6874 or bmittman@yss.ames.ia.us) to talk about how you can make a difference to children, youth and families close to home.

Linda Zalatel, Chairperson

Judy Mersman, Vice-Chairperson

Close to Home Campaign Co-Chairs

Thank you for your consideration and generosity.