School is out, and YESS' summer programs are in session! Here are some of the ways kids are staying cool and keeping busy this summer at YESS.

  Summer Reading Program

This program encourages kids to record the number of hours they spend reading this summer and then "cash in" their hours for prizes. Every two weeks, a reading party celebrates kids' accomplishments and keeps them excited about books.

 

Thanks to the addition of a new library, this program is now more accessible than ever. Kids can easily find and check out books within the shelter - and even keep them if they find a favorite!

 


Horticulture Therapy

Through the creation of a garden in the YESS courtyard, our new Horticulture Therapy Program will provide another creative outlet for the kids served by YESS.  To create the garden, kids will decorate flower pots, paint stepping stones, and help with planting. As the summer goes on, they will care for the garden and see the results of their hard work as plants grow and bloom. 

 

Gardening has many therapeutic benefits, especially for children who love nature and being outside. Kids will not only have fun watching the garden grow, but this program also helps reduce stress, improve creativity, and teach valuable life skills.

 

   Summer Talent Show

Every other month, kids staying in shelter have the opportunity to showcase their talents through songs, artwork, poems, skits, dances, and other performances. 

This month's theme was "Here Comes the Sun" to highlight the importance of hope - even when times are tough. Songs included  "Somewhere over the Rainbow" and the show's main title, "Here Comes the Sun." YESS Staff even got in on the fun this month by performing a silly skit about synchronized swimming!
Recreational Therapy
Another exciting program that "kicked off" this month is YESS' Recreational Therapy program. P hysical activity has always been an important part of kids' daily schedules while staying in shelter, but this program  provides new ways for kids to achieve success, gain confidence, and learn healthy ways to cope with stress. 

In partnership with  Courage League Sports , t he Recreational Therapy program uses a fun and energetic curriculum that all children can participate in. K ids get active and have fun through age-specific games,  e nergetic music,  and silly activities that bring staff and kids together. 

Want to help get every kid at YESS moving, having fun, and staying healthy ? Check out our Summer Wish List below or email jensenm@yessiowa.org for the full list of sporting good items we still need for this new program!


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2nd Annual Human Foosball League 

Break out the sweatbands, shin guards, and competitive spirits for the 2015 YESS Human Foosball League Tournament! 

Friday, Sept. 25
at GymSpace

More information coming soon about this fast-paced, fun opportunity to "play it forward" for the kids at YESS. 

In the meantime, check out highlights from last year's event and start brainstorming who you want on your winning team!









Join
Team YESS


 
 

 



 

 

Want to join a fun team and make a difference in children's lives? Team YESS might be the place for you!

 

 We are looking for caring professionals interested in supporting children during day-to-day shelter activities. 

 

As a vital member of Team YESS, this position promotes kids' health and happiness during a tough time in their lives. 

 

A variety of shifts are available. Visit our employment page for more details.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Youth Emergency Services & Shelter
918 SE 11th Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
515-282-YESS (515-282-9377)
 
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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.