Federal Grant Award Summary

Youth & Shelter Services Inc. received a $350,000 Project Grant from the Administration on Children, Youth and Families under the Transitional Living for Homeless Youth program (CFDA 93.550) awarded on September 30, 2025, for a three-year performance period concluding September 29, 2028. The organization will operate the Maternity Group Home (MGH) program, providing safe, stable residential shelter for pregnant and parenting youth ages 16 to under 22 and their dependent children for up to 18 months, extendable to 21 months under exceptional circumstances. In addition to housing, the program delivers comprehensive supportive services including parenting skills training, child development education, family budgeting, health and nutrition education, basic life skills instruction, educational and employment attainment opportunities, and counseling services designed to support youth transition to self-sufficiency and stable, independent living.

The award supports Youth & Shelter Services Inc.'s mission to address youth homelessness in Iowa through the MGH program model, which prioritizes the safety and well-being of both young parents and their dependent children by maintaining facility safety standards appropriate for infants and children. As an established nonprofit organization based in Ames, Iowa, with extensive experience administering federal youth service programs, the awardee will implement evidence-based, trauma-informed services to help vulnerable young families achieve four core outcome areas: safe and stable housing, education or employment, permanent connections, and social and emotional well-being.