A Note from the CEO
Stephen Quirk
Greetings, friends. We've hit the summer break halftime, with last-minute vacations and attempts to fit in as many fun activities as possible before school starts back up.
But a reality for the kids at YESS is that this summer will be different. Staff work hard to provide meaningful experiences for the youth, but with limited resources, we rely on the generosity of the community to support these activities.
Thanks to community members and friends like Wells Fargo, Variety - the Children's Charity, and Nationwide, the kids have enjoyed outings to Iowa Cubs games, the Blank Park Zoo, and other local attractions this summer. Yet we are always looking for more ways to provide the summer these kids deserve. Passes to the Science Center of Iowa, Living History Farms, and other fun, educational opportunities are the most sought after. If you wish to support this effort, email [email protected].
Thanks for supporting YESS - today and every day.
Peace, Stephen
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Don't miss this fall's one-of-a-kind opportunity to "play it forward" for kids at YESS!
Visit
YESSfoosball.org
to watch highlights from last year's inaugural
Human Foosball League tournament and learn everything you need to know about this fall's event.
RSVP to the
Facebook event
to receive the most up-to-date information for game day.
Want to get in on the fun? Email
[email protected] for more information on sponsorships, teams, and volunteer opportunities.
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Help Needed in Allstate Community Campaign
We need your help to receive $5,000 for kids in crisis! YESS was nominated to participate in Allstate's Cash for Your Community project, where local charities are in the running to receive a $5,000 donation. The campaign is simple - the charity with the most votes at the end of the month will receive the donation.
Your vote will only take a moment to cast, but can make a lasting difference in the life of a child. Vote now!
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When children take refuge under YESS' roof, their lives are often surrounded by chaos, making them feel worried, frustrated, or scared. To make their time in shelter a little easier, YESS is taking on a new project this summer to provide every child in shelter with a special box of items to help when these feelings come up.
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| A child's calming box, which is decorated to "look like a monster" |
Kids decorate their calming box and create a list of items that help them feel better when they are unhappy (a stress ball, journal, coloring book, or even paper to scribble on). Kids can bring out these boxes whenever they need a little help to feel okay.
YESS strives to provide every child in shelter with an avenue to express their feelings when they don't have the words. If you would like to donate shoeboxes or other items that would help a child find peace of mind when times are hard, email Max at [email protected].
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Italian American Heritage Festival of Iowa
July 24 & 25th
Enjoy the rich Italian culture found locally while supporting kids at YESS!
Event proceeds from this weekend's event will be donated to support YESS' mission and the children who rely on the agency for safety and care.
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| Chris Strub visits YESS to lend a helping hand and raise awareness |
Last Friday, Team YESS met Chris Strub, who is visiting all
50 states and volunteering with a youth organization in each one.
Here in Iowa, Chris stopped by YESS to help p
repare lunch and play games with the kids staying in shelter.
Check out
his interview with Kristin, YESS' Development Manager, here.
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