YOUTH & SHELTER SERVICES, INC.

Helping the next generation soar to a brighter future


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from George Belitsos

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A Personal Memo

HELTER SERV

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Dear Friends of YSS,

This past spring, more than 100 gathered at YSS Rosedale Shelter on Shelter
Awareness Day to dedicate a memorial garden in honor of Phil OBerry. Phil, a
devoted and long-time YSS volunteer, passed away last year, and his family and
friends donated more than $10,000 in his memory.
Behind every successful organization, there are devoted people who strive for
community betterment. Phil OBerry was an excellent example of this. His
dedication to his family, community service, and volunteer leadership was
unequaled.

and a mentor for me. He served continuously on either the YSS Corporate or

The OBerry family sits in the garden during

committee. One such position was on the YSS Community Advisory Board of the dedication of the Phil OBerry Memorial
Iowa Homeless Youth Centers in Des Moines. He also co-chaired and helped Garden.
lead four major fundraising campaigns, which raised more than $8 million. He
the fact that while Phil was serving as the Director of the National Animal Disease Lab in Ames, their children thought he worked at
YSS because he so often attended YSS meetings and activities.
Phil and Terri have been generous donors to each and every YSS campaign.
well over 7,000 youth. When you look at the heart of YSS, you will see the
Rosedale Shelter. When you look at heart of the Rosedale Shelter, you will see
Phil OBerry.
In honor of Phils volunteerism and service to YSS, the memorial garden features
a fountain stream lined by stones, plantings, two stone benches, and a large rock
with a plaque. The plaque reads: In memory of Phil O Berry. He led us all to
higher aspirations to be of service to others. Terri handpicked the garden rocks
want the rock to be a constant reminder of how we should all give back, make
connections with others, and live joyfully, Brian Eslinger, former YSS Board of
The new fountain in the Phil OBerry Memorial Directors Chair, said during the dedication ceremony.

Garden is a peaceful reminder of the OBerry

Familys commitment to the Rosedale Shelter.

Staff and youth have already started to enjoy the garden. It is a calming place to sit and relax, and also provides space for clients,
families, and staff to communicate. We invite all to come take a break in the garden and be assured that, inside, Rosedale youth are being
cared for and given the tools and the preparation they need to succeed. The shelter is a safe haven with caring staff for youth who have
run away or are dealing with family issues, such as abuse and neglect, are homeless, or are waiting for court action.
During the event, two Rosedale youth, Matt and Chris, told
their stories about the positive impact that Rosedale has made
on their lives. Matthew came to Rosedale after bouncing in
and out of different youth shelters and foster homes. Matthew,
17 years old, has been at Rosedale four times and prefers it
over other shelters because of the structured routine and kind
The staff is very caring and respectful, and when I
need to talk to someone, they are here to help, Matthew said.
Matthew likes the consistent and accessible schedule at
structured, but not too structured
when you are trying to wait and relax for a moment. He also
From the
many times I have been here, they have helped me become a
mature adult, Matthew said. Matthew will turn 18 soon and

Chris and Matthew meet with George after their speeches

on Shelter Awareness Day.

Rosedale and the positive role models there.

Chris, age 15, came to Rosedale after serving time in a detention

center. He was happy to come to Rosedale, because it helped
him follow directions and stay out of trouble. The atmosphere at Rosedale is also much more comfortable for him. The staff are nice
Chris said. The direction
This place has given me a new hope that I will get out and return
home, Chris said.
Matt and Chris have stories that are much like those of other youth who have stayed at Rosedale. During Shelter Awareness Day, Terri
Johanson, Director of the shelter, mentioned that, although the physical structure of YSS has changed, the youth who come to Rosedale
still face many of the same challenges of the youth that came to Rosedale in the past.
Each year, Shelter Awareness Day remembers youth who are struggling and in need of emergency and crisis housing. When kids are
in crisis and in need, shelters like Rosedale are a place for them to turn for help. Shelter Awareness Day was founded by Mari Culver,
Iowa Legislature cut $1 million from the child welfare emergency services budget, resulting in the closing of four shelters including

temporary home. It is because of volunteers like Phil OBerry that youth are given more opportunities and chances to succeed. With
volunteers like Phil, we at YSS can continue to help the next generation soar to a brighter future. Next time you are at Rosedale, please
stop by the garden, enjoy the peacefulness, and know that youth inside are being treated with respect and love.

Sincerely,

YSS Founder and CEO

To receive this material in an alternate format, please call YSS at 515-233-3141 or Iowa Relay at 711.