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.
Upcoming Trainings
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Breaking The Cycle
2.2.26 10 am - 2 pm
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.
Gibson Memorial Library, Creston
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ACES 360
2.10.26 10 am - 2 pm
This interactive 4-hour training will introduce participants to the ways trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences impact brain, biology, behavior, worldview, and self-concept 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.
Iowa City Senior Center, Iowa City
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Authentic Youth Collaboration
2.23.26 1 pm - 4 pm
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.
Polk County River Place, Des Moines
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
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