T-R PHOTO BY LANA BRADSTREAM — Sammuel Wilder speaks at the YSS Celebration of Friends at the Marshalltown Public Library on Wednesday evening. Introduced by Angie Eastman, Wilder came to YSS in 2022 with anxiety that impacted the way he interacted with people. Through therapy and treatment, he has overcome his anxiety and can now be seen in the Marshalltown Community Theatre performance of “Yippee Ki Yay Merry Christmas.”

Attendees of the annual holiday event of YSS of Marshall County learned about how 2023 treated the local organization, and what a year it was.

Opening the Celebration of Friends program at the Marshalltown Public Library on Wednesday evening, Director David Hicks said the year was possible thanks to the staff.

Overall, the year went rather well. Hicks said statistics for MPACT show calls for service increased 33 percent to 351 since 2022 when 262 calls were served, and follow-ups rose 28 percent. Of the calls, more than 66 percent were for mental health, juvenile problems, homelessness and domestic violence. Because of the increase, Hicks said they hope to hire another advocate for the program.

Medication Management Nurse Angie Eastman introduced the attendees to Sammuel Wilder who began receiving YSS services last year. She said he was socially isolated, barely leaving the house, not even for family functions. Wilder exhibited poor eye contact and provided short one-word answers to questions. Since starting proper medication and regular visits with a nurse practitioner, Eastman said Wilder has greatly improved.

“He got his first job at Fareway at the age of 19,” she said. “He now carries on enjoyable conversations with individuals . . . You can also find him at the Marshalltown Community Theater acting in plays, which one will be Friday, Saturday and Sunday. He’s also writing music. He’s no longer nervous to ask for help. He’s made huge strides.”

Bearing a big smile in front of the attendees, Wilder said he used to be lethargic and was socially awkward until going to YSS.

“I never would have thought I would do anything like this,” he said. “Thank you once again.”

After the event, Hicks said all of the programs at YSS experienced growth in 2023.

“Over the last three years, the number of therapy sessions held at YSS of Marshall County has increased over 500 percent,” he said. “The need is great in nearly all aspects of our service array. We’ve risen to the challenge and have met these needs – as we have over the past 40 years.”

Outpatient substance abuse assessments and outpatient counseling services began this year. A box containing free Naloxone was installed outside the building, and Hicks said the medication goes quickly. Knowing the great need for mental health, therapy services were expanded into the Marshalltown Community School District.

Hicks said they also began Integrated Health Services, which provides case management services for young people.

“It helps guide them, avoid duplicative services and navigate what can be a confusing system of providers and programs,” he said.

They implemented a food pantry and community fridge this spring. Community partners stepped forward to help get this off the ground and have continued to support the project, Hicks said. “Individuals and families come in every day for food,” he said. “We’ve also began a partnership with the Animal Rescue League to provide dog and cat food for pet owners in need.”

The year was not without challenges, however. YSS is struggling with staff capacity because the demand for their services has exceeded the supply.

“Our staff can only serve so many people,” Hicks said. “Our Marshalltown based mental health therapists have very busy caseloads, so we often have to set up telehealth appointments with other YSS therapists across Central Iowa. Our staff face very complex issues where there aren’t easy solutions.”

Even though the workload might be demanding, Hicks said it is also rewarding. He added there was very little turnover in 2023.

“I’m very proud of our team,” Hicks said. “There will always be unknowns as we move forward, but after 27 years at YSS I will continue to be optimistic in our ability to navigate them.”

Looking forward to 2024 right around the corner, he said YSS will continue to provide hope and opportunity where possible. They will look for possible collaborations with compassion and a “can-do” spirit.

To come are OWI classes and women in recovery groups next year. Hicks is expecting increased services from the outpatient addictions counseling programing, especially in the groups. He anticipates adding one or two mental health therapists, and expects the YSS equine therapy services will expand to first responders and veterans.

“Through donations and finding other funding streams, we can provide specific programming and trauma-informed services, which ultimately create better outcomes for our community,” Hicks said.