YHSI funds were awarded to focus on systemic change by funding projects that create and build capacity for Youth Action Boards; collect and use data on at-risk youth and youth experiencing homelessness; develop strong leaders within a community; and improve the coordination, communication, operation, and administration of homeless assistance projects to better serve youth, including prevention and diversion strategies. these grants are designed to make and improve connections, coordination, and information sharing within and between systems that serve at-risk youth, including education, child welfare, and juvenile justice.
-
CYC brings an experiential training for youth providers focused on improving youth engagement
Participants explore choice, safety, system structure, and motivation through facilitated activities, empathy mapping, and youth journey mapping. The workshop reinforces Youth Program Quality best practices and supports program improvement by helping participants design environments where young people can engage, plan, and move toward stability.
April 1, 2026
9 am - 1 pm
Iowa City, Iowa
-
This training explores how socioeconomic structures shape individual experiences and opportunities. Participants will examine how generational poverty develops, the systemic barriers that perpetuate economic inequality, and strategies for understanding and supporting individuals navigating complex class dynamics. The session will challenge participants to recognize how personal attitudes about class impact service delivery and develop more empathetic, nuanced approaches to working with diverse populations.
April 6, 2026
1-5pm
Graettinger, IA
-
Discovering the Impact of Trauma and Building Strategies Towards Healing
This highly interactive 4-hour training will introduce participants to the ways trauma and adversity impact us, with a specific focus on adolescent development and youth experiencing homelessness. We will discuss how secondary traumatic stress may impact providers and learn about and practice trauma-informed skills and strategies that promote youth and provider healing and wellbeing.
April 9, 2026
9 am - 1 pm
Mason City, IA
-
Discovering the Impact of Trauma and Building Strategies Towards Healing
This highly interactive 4-hour training will introduce participants to the ways trauma and adversity impact us, with a specific focus on adolescent development and youth experiencing homelessness. We will discuss how secondary traumatic stress may impact providers and learn about and practice trauma-informed skills and strategies that promote youth and provider healing and wellbeing.
April 22, 2026
9 am - 1 pm
Graettinger, Iowa
Milestones/Goals
As part of the YHSI process, milestones/goals were created to focus the work. Milestones/Goals include:
Youth leadership development;
Building out additional locations for Youth Action Boards (YAB) across the CoC;
Collaborating with the Department of Health & Human Services and Department of Education to create discharge/transition process and toolkits; and
Training for youth serving professional in the community with attention to trauma-informed care and postive youth development (PYD).
To get more detail on the Milestones, contact CoC staff.
“If we truly want to end youth homelessness then we have to invest in prevention and support communities as they work to implement these life-changing efforts.”
-Cyndi Lauper
Get in Touch
If you're interested in working with us or have questions, complete the form with a few details. We'll review your message and get back to you within 48 hours.
Upcoming Trainings
-
From Tension to Trust
This event has ended. Join our mailing list to learn more about similar training opportunities coming to Iowa!
Navigating Emotionally Charged Interactions with Confidence and Compassion
As providers, you’re likely to encounter emotionally charged moments with young people, caregivers, or community members. Trauma responses impact how your clients’ brains develop and how they engage. This training offers practical tools and strategies for de-escalating tense situations and approaching difficult conversations with clarity, empathy, and confidence. Learn how to maintain your composure, build trust under pressure, and stay grounded in your role as a steady, supportive presence.
-
Authentic Youth Collaboration
April 1st 9am-1pm
Iowa City, Iowa
CYC brings an experiential training for youth providers focused on improving youth engagement
Participants explore choice, safety, system structure, and motivation through facilitated activities, empathy mapping, and youth journey mapping. The workshop reinforces Youth Program Quality best practices and supports program improvement by helping participants design environments where young people can engage, plan, and move toward stability.
-
Breaking The Cycle
April 6th 1-5pm
Graettinger, IA
This training explores how socioeconomic structures shape individual experiences and opportunities. Participants will examine how generational poverty develops, the systemic barriers that perpetuate economic inequality, and strategies for understanding and supporting individuals navigating complex class dynamics. The session will challenge participants to recognize how personal attitudes about class impact service delivery and develop more empathetic, nuanced approaches to working with diverse populations.