A Time of Firsts
This year marks the
20th Anniversary of the opening of the Blumenthal Crisis Nursery
, Iowa’s first site-based facility for our state’s youngest and most vulnerable children. Since its opening in 1999, thousands of infants, toddlers, and young children have found safety and specialized care within these hallowed walls. It’s a space of comfort, warmth, and genuine playfulness. A safe haven when home is not a safe option.
In the Crisis Nursery, many children will celebrate birthdays, first days of school, visits from the tooth fairy and other momentous occasions. And for some of our tiniest kiddos, it will be a time of firsts.
Baby’s first steps.
Baby’s first words.
Baby’s first Christmas.
We don’t take this work lightly. YESS staff members work incredibly hard to ensure all the children and teens in our care experience the joy and magic this holiday season brings but especially so for our youngest kids. At a time when life is so unpredictable, we’ll work diligently to create as many positive memories as we can. We’ll plan holiday parties with volunteers, wrap gifts, put up decorations, and prepare special meals.
We know these efforts won’t replace what our kids are missing. Their families. Their friends. Their holiday traditions. Their childhood memories.
You can be a partner in this important work.
Please consider making a year-end gift in support of our community’s most vulnerable kids.
Together, we'll build an Iowa where all children thrive in a safe home. And when home is not that safe option, YESS will be there –
because of you.
