South Iowa News

Representative Zach Nunn, Senator Chuck Grassley, and Governor Kim Reynolds attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Ember Recovery Campus, a new facility of Youth and Shelter Services (YSS) focused on youth recovery. Representative Nunn played a crucial role in securing $1.6 million in funding for the establishment of the campus as part of the FY24 Appropriations package.

Nunn expressed his support for the project, stating, “What the YSS team built is nothing short of extraordinary. I am proud to help the YSS mission, bringing $1.6 million to help serve youth in need in Iowa, as well as joining for the ribbon cutting to launch the Ember Recovery Campus.” He highlighted the importance of providing a second chance for vulnerable kids, offering a new perspective and restart for many families in Iowa.

Senator Grassley commended the collective effort to realize the project, saying, “I want to congratulate everybody who helped turn this dream into a reality. The Ember Recovery Campus is a refuge of hope and healing that will give struggling Iowans a fresh start and provide many families much-needed peace of mind. Empowering young people to advocate for their futures gives them skin in the game and helps them identify barriers to reach their full potential.”

Emphasizing the challenges overcome to achieve this milestone, Governor Reynolds remarked, “It took a lot of hard work and a lot of patience, but finally, the beautiful vision of the YSS Ember Recovery Campus has been realized. It’s a vision that I couldn’t be prouder or more honored to celebrate.” Reynolds noted that the campus will serve as a haven for youth in crisis, providing immediate help and long-term treatment across its 50-acre site.

YSS, a non-profit based in Ames, Iowa, has been active for over 45 years in assisting youth. The new Ember Recovery Campus will focus on teens and adolescents dealing with substance abuse and mental health challenges. The facility is designed to offer a conducive environment for recovery, featuring therapy rooms, wellness amenities, and spaces for recreation and reflection. The campus represents a significant expansion in care access for Iowa’s vulnerable youth, building a sustainable model for ongoing recovery backed by community support.

The funding of $1.6 million for the project came through the Community Project Funding process of the FY24 Consolidated Appropriations Act, which Representative Nunn has supported in Congress.