DES MOINES, IOWA (February 20, 2024) — Ellipsis, a youth services and shelter organization serving nearly 600 central Iowa kids and their families daily, is proud to announce unveil renovations on a Des Moines facility that features twelve efficiency apartments for youth ages sixteen to 21. The announcement comes following an open house on Tuesday, February 20. This supervised apartment living program is one of a kind in the state and will better serve youth as they look to transition into independence.
Under the visionary leadership of CEO Chris Koepplin, Ellipsis has embarked on a transformative initiative aimed at revolutionizing transitional care for youth. With the organization’s previous transitional living programs that help youth learn to live independently while still having the full support of Ellipsis’ team, they were able to recognize the limitations of traditional living arrangements for the program's objectives.
The initiative represents a significant departure from conventional group living arrangements. Previously, Ellipsis and most supervised apartment living service providers had several youth share common spaces — kitchen, living room, and bathroom. In the new complex, each resident will have their own fully furnished apartment, complete with a kitchen, bathroom and living area that were created in collaboration with Slingshot Architecture and Pigott. The design and functionality of these apartments have been meticulously planned to cater to the specific needs of the residents. Ellipsis and its partners ensured every aspect, from furniture to layout, aligns with the vision of creating a supportive and nurturing environment.
This shift from shared spaces to individualized living quarters is designed to foster a sense of ownership, responsibility and autonomy among residents. "Our kids are going to learn how to be independent," emphasized Chris Koepplin. In addition to providing physical spaces, Ellipsis is committed to offering individualized support and skill-building opportunities for residents. From cooking and budgeting to grocery shopping, staff members will tailor their support to each resident's unique needs, ensuring they have the tools and resources to thrive. “Not only will it better prepare our kids to live as they would when they’re on their own, but they now also have a private area where they can relax, feel comfortable inviting a guest and learn how to be responsible for their own space,” Koepplin said.
This improvement has been a priority since Youth Homes of Mid-America and Youth Emergency Services and Shelter first merged into the Ellipsis brand in 2021. “We’re thrilled that our youth will move into their apartments this week,” Chris said.
The impact of this initiative extends beyond the individual level, resonating with the broader community and state agencies. Janee Harvey, division director over Family Well-Being and Protection at Iowa Health and Human Services, acknowledged Ellipsis' commitment to innovation and personalized care.
“This initiative is an extension of the passionate and thoughtful leadership that takes place at Ellipsis,” Harvey said. “Ellipsis has been a critical partner to the state in serving kids who have therapeutic, supervision and treatment needs, and we are excited to see the positive impact of this new program."
This project, completed with Slingshot Architecture and Greiner Construction, was made possible in large part by a grant from Governor Kim Reynolds’ Office distributed through the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Nonprofit Innovation Fund.
Central Iowans interested in supporting Ellipsis’ mission can donate a one-time contribution or a recurring donation here. Ellipsis also looks to provide youth with starter kits containing bedroom, bathroom, personal hygiene and kitchen items along with household cleaning supplies and more. Those who want to donate items for the starter kits can email Zach Rus, Ellipsis engagement director, at zach.rus@ellipsisiowa.org.
For more information about Ellipsis and their innovative programs, visit their website at EllipsisIowa.org.
About Ellipsis
Established in 2021 with the merger of Youth Homes of Mid-America and Youth Emergency Services and Shelter, Ellipsis offers resources and programs to meet the needs of Iowa’s youth and families.
An ellipsis takes the place of words left unsaid and symbolizes the potential for a new direction in a story. By providing much-needed opportunities for healing and growth, Ellipsis helps children and families in Iowa rewrite their stories when they need it most, resulting in tangible, life-changing differences in Iowa’s communities.
