The holidays remind us of what it means to belong. We gather with loved ones, share meals, and reflect on the people and places that make us feel at home. At Ellipsis, we know not every child grows up with those same experiences. Many of the youth we serve have faced instability, trauma or separation from family. Yet through the care and support of this community, they are discovering what home can truly feel like.
As the end of the year approaches, we are reminded that strong communities create strong futures for their youth. Your support for Ellipsis helps make that possible.
Serving Iowa Youth From Near and Far
Ellipsis serves kids and families across Dallas, Polk, Marion, Madison and Warren counties, but our reach extends far beyond this designated service area. Iowa has lost over 230 foster group care beds in the last five years — the highest level of care available — meaning kids and teens must travel farther to get the care they need.
In 2024, 1 in 4 youth in our care came from outside this region. They arrive in the Des Moines metro seeking the specialized care and stability Ellipsis is uniquely equipped to provide.
From residential treatment and crisis care to supervised apartment living (SAL), Ellipsis works across Iowa’s child welfare system to meet kids and families where they are. Every young person’s journey is different, but they all share a common need: a place where people believe in their potential.
When you support Ellipsis, you’re helping kids from central Iowa as well as youth who must leave their communities to access the care and opportunity they deserve.
What Community Investment Looks Like
When our community invests in our organization, we see incredible progress. In 2024, 61% of boys were successfully discharged from our Qualified Residential Treatment Program (QRTP), up from 48% in the previous year. Youth in SAL programs made even greater strides toward independence, with success rates climbing to 79% in Cluster settings and 100% in Scattered settings.
Behind every number are dedicated staff members whose commitment makes these outcomes possible. Our employee turnover rate of 25% is far below Iowa’s benchmark of 62%–75% for similar agencies. To us, that means kids are surrounded by familiar faces — by people they can trust. For youth who experience frequent change, this stability can transform everything.
When people and companies give their time and resources, they're helping kids build a lifetime of possibility.
How Your Gift Makes a Difference
Every December, as lights go up and families come together, we’re reminded of what generosity can do. Community giving provides Ellipsis with more than program funding; it fuels potential.
Donations deliver therapy and educational support for youth healing from trauma. They supply meals, clothing and household essentials for kids in transitional living. Donations fund life skills programs that teach budgeting, meal preparation and self-sufficiency. They also ensure every youth in our care experiences a holiday with warmth and dignity.
End-of-year giving is an investment in the future of our community. We're Iowa's only organization offering emergency shelter, foster group care and SAL regardless of gender. When our youth have access to the support they need, they can grow into adults who strengthen our neighborhoods, schools and workplaces.
Join Us in Building What’s Possible
Our continuum of care provides an open-door access point to seek help, assess needs and create a plan to overcome challenges, past or present. While our mission is simple, our work is complex. For our team to meet kids and families where they are, we invite you to be a part of helping Iowa's youth heal from the past and rewrite their stories to create brighter futures.
This holiday season, your support can create real, lasting change for kids in our community.
- Make a financial gift to fund essential services and support throughout the year.
- Organize a donation drive to collect items youth need while in care or transitioning out of our programs.
- Spread the word about Ellipsis and the young people we serve.
When our community stands together, kids have a better chance to thrive. And that's the best gift any of us can give.
