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Do they even know what it's like to fall so hard?
Have they ever seen a heart so bruised and scarred?
Maybe they don't know what it's like to be me
But I do, and I see.
And though things might be deceiving
I've gotta keep on breathing.
"Keep on Breathing" -
Lyrics written by a shelter youth
These lyrics were composed by L*, a teen who came to stay in our emergency shelter when home wasn't a safe option. L had moved from one unsafe home environment to another during her 14 years of life, and had survived traumatic experiences that no child should endure.
When L arrived at YESS, she was angry at the world - and with good reason. She had survived so much, and was afraid to trust any adult. In her experience, adults only let her down.
As the staff at YESS got to know L, we learned that she enjoyed making art and listening to music. We thought expressive therapy might be a good way for her to process all she had experienced. Working with the YESS Music Therapist, she learned to pla
y the piano and found healing and comfort through writing lyrics.
L wrote the song "Keep on Breathing" as a way to process the traumatic experiences in her past and performed it for the first time at a YESS Talent Show.
She has now written several songs and continues to use music as a way to communicate with others and to share her talent.
You can listen to L's performance of this powerful song here.
*name and some identifying characteristics changed to protect the identity of the child
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Every day, members of the community donate their time, their talents, and their resources to help the kids in our care. We have so much to be grateful for this holiday season, and below are just a few of the special members of Team YESS we want to thank for supporting our kids this time of year.
A special thank you to
Kemin Industries
, who provides amazing support for our mission during the holiday season
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Thank you to
Cylosoft for providing ongoing updates to our website so we can share our services and mission with the community
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Our friends at
The Printer, Inc. help us communicate with volunteers, donors, and other important friends of YESS throughout the year
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A very big thank you to the
Imperial Court of Iowa for hosting multiple fundraising events to support our mission and the children that seek safety under our roof
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A big thanks to the Des Moines AM Rotary, who hosts a pumpkin decorating party each year, and donated funds to purchase instruments for our music therapy program
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Kids in shelter can read and learn all year long thanks to the tireless work of our Library Committee, and we are so grateful for their ongoing dedication
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A special thanks to the Rooftop Foundation, for creating fun during the holidays and donating needed items
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We are SO grateful to the Link Associates VIP Program, who help in our kitchen and make sure everyone in shelter has full tummies
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The team at Iowa Family Chiropractic helped us raise needed funds by choosing YESS as their September Charity of Choice
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Thank you to
Healthsource Chiropractic for hosting a yearly coat drive and providing holiday gifts for our kiddos
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Thank you to
Executive Women International who provide yearly support and even help us wrap presents during the holiday season
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Thanks to all of our
recurring donors, who provide vital support throughout the year for our programs and services
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Thank you
Flynn Wright for providing expertise and support for our outreach projects
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First Realty Cares
is hosting a scholastic book drive this year to ensure our library stays well-stocked
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A very special shout out to YOU for taking the time to read our newsletter and for all the ways you support kids in crisis |
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Join the G
iving Tuesday Movement
November 29th is
Giving Tuesday - a global day of giving back. On this day, people around the world will kick off the holiday season and give what they can to make the world a bit brighter.
You are invited to join this year's event, and give whatever you can to help the infants, children, and teens we serve. Your support and generosity will help kids find safety in times of crisis and hope for a brighter tomorrow.
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YESS Named a Blue Zones Worksite
We are excited to announce that YESS is now a designated Blue Zones Worksite! This designation illustrates our commitment to empowering employees to be happier, healthier and more productive.
The Blue Zones Project is a community well-being initiative designed to make healthy choices easier.
Visit the Blue Zones Project website for more information.
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Sunday, December 11, 2016 from 5:30-10pm
You are invited to enjoy a night of fine dining, live music, and a tour of lights, with proceeds promising a night of safety for the children at YESS.
Standard tickets include a complimentary cocktail and hors d'ouevres as well as a shuttle tour of the Beaverdale Lights Festival. VIP tickets represent the cost of a night of care for a child in our shelter, and include a four course pre-dinner presented by Chef David Baruthio.
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