At-a-Glance: YESS' Impact

YESS recently completed its 2016-2017 fiscal year. Stay tuned for a full report on the agency's impact, and in the meantime, here's a quick snapshot of how YESS worked to keep kids safe and families together: 

Behind the numbers: Jordan's Story

Jordan, a four-year-old little boy, loved coloring pictures, playing with trucks, and wearing his favorite superhero pajamas.

But from the time he was born, Jordan was a victim of physical and emotional abuse. The unsafe home he grew up in shaped the way he sees the world, leaving him scared, frustrated, and wary of all adults.  Although Jordan struggles to overcome the awful experiences in his past, he still likes the same things many little boys enjoy.

When everything in Jordan's life was scary and uncertain, he found a safe haven at YESS earlier this year. Through play therapy and the use of Chillville, YESS' sensory room, Jordan learned to express his fears and share his big feelings in a safe and age-appropriate manner. He was successfully placed in a loving foster home that will some day become his forever family.


To all those who contributed in some way this past year,
we thank you . It is only through your belief in our mission that we can continue to keep kids safe - all day, every day.

FIELD DAY FUN


The day was picture perfect for the kids to enjoy one last summer activity before the start of the 2017-2018 academic school year. The park near YESS was set for a Field Day to impress thanks to Team YESS staff members. Volunteers from Foster Group joined in on the fun playing yard games, tie-dying shirts, creating watercolor masterpieces, and playing a competitive water-balloon volleyball game. "It's always great to have volunteers here interacting and spending time with the kids, but Field Day is an especially fun activity for volunteers to participate in with the kids here at YESS," said Jana Daisy, Community Activities Manager at YESS.

"It went really well! Everyone seemed to be having fun," said Morgan M., a Resident Advisor Intern at YESS and co-organizer of the event. "I think we got a little something so all the youth enjoyed Field Day. I'm so happy with how it turned out."

As playing games and tie-dying shirts ended, the kids, volunteers, and staff enjoyed ice cream sundaes in the park while the grill was heating up for hamburgers and hot dogs. Field Day 2017 was certainly a successful way to end summer break for the kids at YESS as they gear up for the new school year, and just one more way YESS staff work to make living in shelter a bit more fun.

Special thanks to the volunteers from  Foster Group!


It's Time to Play it Forward!
  

Do you have what it takes to compete in the fourth annual YESS Human Foosball League tournament, presented by Space Simply?

What: Teams will compete on life-sized foosball courts, moving side-to-side in order to score goals and advance to the championship round. A tailgating atmosphere, team uniform competitions, live music, and networking opportunities are all in store for participants and partnering organizations.

When: Friday, September 29th from 12:30-5:30pm

Where: A warehouse in the Des Moines metro will be transformed into our Human Foosball arena! The final location will be announced soon.

Why: To provide safety and care to kids in our community. To date, this event has raised nearly $50,000 to keep children in our community safe. 

Learn More: Get all the details on our registration page. You can also check out photos and video from last year's event.

Spots are limited to the first 30 teams who sign up. 




Thank You to Our Event Partners

Presenting Sponsor

Courtside Sponsors


Game Day Sponsors



Tabletop Sponsors
 


Additional Support
Iowa Pork Producers Association  l  Confluence  Brewing Co. 
Full Court Press  l  Kum & Go  l   Pepsi Co.  l  QCI

Upcoming Events
   
What Where When
Mercer LGBTA Annual Drag Show
Enjoy a night of drag queens and kings while supporting YESS

The Garden Nightclub
112 SE 4th St, Des Moines
Fri., Sept. 1
7:00 - 9:00pm
United Way Day of Action
YESS will once again participate in this community-wide day of service and volunteering.

YESS
918 SE 11th St, Des Moines
Tues., Sept. 12
3:00 - 5:00pm
Human Foosball League
Join one of the most unique events in town to help kids in shelter find safety and hope.
TBD - a warehouse in the Des Moines metro Fri., Sept. 29 12:30 - 5:30pm

918 SE 11th Street, Des Moines, IA 50309  |  515.282.9377 | YESSIowa.org
STAY CONNECTED: