Volunteers Make 
Valentine's  Day Special

Kids decorated heart-
shaped cookies during the Valentine's Day party
Valentine's Day was extra special for kids living in shelter this month, thanks to the the big hearts of volunteers and generous friends in the community.

Local members of Pi Beta Phi held a Valentine's Day party for the kids that included love-themed games, craft projectd,and snacks.Once the party was over, each kiddo also received a treat bag and two books to take with them when they leave.

Earlier in the week, kids in shelter 
Donated cards helped kids celebrate the holiday
also sent Valentine's Day cards to each other and their loved ones, thanks to a donation from the local chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa. 
Kiddos in the Crisis Nursery handed out cards with cartoon characters, while the older kids sent handmade cards to the special people in their lives. 

Thank you to these groups, Prairie Trail Elementary in Ankeny for a massive snack and goodie donation, and all of the members of Team YESS who made kids feel special this Valentine's Day!  

  
Bob Brown Auto joins the 2016 YESS Duck Derby as Presenting Sponsor
 


Team YESS is excited to welcom e Bob Brown Auto as the Presenting Sponsor for the 2016 YESS Duck Derby! 

The team at Bob Brown Auto first connected with the agency  a few years ago, providing vital support for the YESS Duck Derby and the children who find safety under our roof.

"On behalf of everyone at Bob Brown Auto, it's our pleasure to serve as the presenting sponsor of the annual Duck Derby," said Ron Brown, President. "Each year, the good folks at YESS put on this signature community event that not only brings us all together for a fun family outing, but the funds raised benefit the incredible work that YESS does for Central Iowa. They've been dedicated to keeping kids and families safe for over 40 years and it's an honor to partner with them."
 
With Bob Brown Auto "under our wing" as Presenting Sponsor, the 2016 YESS Duck Derby is going to be our most spec-quack-ular event yet! Keep an eye out for Quacky at their dealership locations around town and the many more ways we'll incorporate the Bob Brown team into Race Day. 

Are you ready to get quackin'? More  updates will be coming soon on the 2016 YESS Duck Derby



  
Team YESS Shoutout: Young Variety

Young Variety Members
(L to R): Jon Phillips, Courtney Ihnen, & Steph Hoskins
Six kiddos were thrilled last week when they walked through the doors at YESS and saw a brand new bike, bought just for them by Young Variety. 

These kiddos work with counselors at YESS Hope Hall and were chosen to receive a bike as well as helmets and other safety gear.  After each child had the chance to test out his/her new wheels, members of Young Variety toured YESS to learn about our mission and the children we keep safe.

Variety - the Children's Charity of Iowa has been a longtime friend of the agency, helping thousands of children and their families by supporting YESS' emergency shelter and community-based programming. We are so grateful for their ongoing support!

  
Birdies for Charity

YESS is a participating nonprofit i Birdies for Charity  again this year! This charitable component of the Principal Charity Classic  (May 31 - June 5) allows community members to pledge donations to their favorite nonprofits based on the number of "birdies" made by Champion Tour players (one-time donations are also accepted). 

Thanks to the generosity of Sammons Financial Group, 100% of your pledge through Birdies for Charity will help the kids we keep safe, and all gifts will also receive a generous 10% match. Click here to make your pledge and help kids find brighter tomorrows.


Get 
Involved

  

 






Stay Connected
   
   







Mark Your Calendar
(Duck Edition)




St. Patricks Day Parade
Friday, March 18

Quacky and Team YESS will kick off "Duck Season" at this year's parade



Iowa Cubs Games
Friday, April 8
Saturday, April 23
Friday, May 1

Watch the game, adopt a duck, and help kids in crisis



Iowa Wild Game
Friday, April 15

Don't miss out on "chuck a duck" and other ways to help kids during this game



Race Day
Saturday, May 7

Fun starts at Noon 
Ducks race at 2:00 


...and more to come!
We're still finalizing the details for events around town to help spread ducky fever. Keep an eye out for more information!







Join Team YESS



Join Team YESS and make a difference in kids' lives every day!
Visit our  employment page  for more details.



In Home Family Therapist
Provide family therapy services to children, teens, and families in their homes


Mental Health Therapist
Provide assessment and counseling services to children, teens and families on an outpatient basis






  Youth Emergency Services & Shelter
918 SE 11th Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
515-282-YESS (515-282-9377)
 
What We Do    |     Our History    |     You Can Help    |     YESS in the News     |   Our Impact

Youth Emergency Services & Shelter (YESS) meets the critical needs of the community by providing a continuum of quality programs designed to keep children safe and families together.