Shelter Services
YES has provided short-term emergency shelter for teens in crisis since 1974. The home-like residence provides divided sleeping facilities for male and female guests.
In community areas, young people share meals, television and video privileges, recreation and laundry facilities. A trained staff of counselors, advocates and youth workers spends individual, focused time with residents to help them work through the problems they face.
No one is ever turned away based on ability to pay.
Young people in the shelter are often referred by family members for a brief cooling off period. Youth are also referred by the juvenile court system, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, and other community organizations.
Shelter staff uses a motivational system that allows residents to earn privileges. Young people have an opportunity to advance through the motivation system through positive behavior and achievements within the shelter, school, community and family activities. This system encourages leadership development and positive self-image that the young person keeps for life.
Based on availability of shelter rooms, youth seeking shelter services are screened to assure appropriate placement to insure the safety of the residents.