A Place to Begin Again
The wait is over—Ember Recovery Campus is officially open and ready to welcome Iowa’s youth and young adults seeking hope, healing, and a fresh start. Located just outside Cambridge, Iowa, this one-of-a-kind campus provides crisis stabilization, emergency shelter, and residential addiction treatment within a serene, nature-based setting. We’re actively accepting referrals and are here to support young people in their journey toward lasting recovery.
At Ember, we believe that even the smallest spark can reignite into a powerful flame. Our campus is built on this belief, offering a place where youth can overcome life’s challenges, rediscover their inner strength, and build a foundation for a brighter future.
A Thoughtfully Designed Space for Recovery
Ember Recovery Campus isn’t just a facility—it’s a community built to inspire healing and transformation. Thanks to the generous support of donors, CICS, and the state of Iowa, Ember now offers a retreat-style campus that blends modern amenities with the calming influence of nature.
Our campus features:
- Homelike Cottages: Comfortable, youth-centered spaces designed to create a sense of safety and belonging.
- Wellness & Recreation Areas: Encouraging physical activity and mindful relaxation as part of the recovery process.
- Therapy Spaces: Purpose-built areas for individual, group, and family therapy sessions.
- Nature Trails & Outdoor Spaces: Fostering a connection to nature, which plays a key role in mental wellness.
Located near Ames, Iowa, Ember Recovery Campus offers easy access to community resources while providing a peaceful environment that promotes focus and healing.
A Continuum of Care for Iowa Youth
Ember Recovery Campus is more than just a treatment facility—it’s a vital part of YSS’s mission to empower youth through education, counseling, and stability. We provide evidence-based addiction treatment, trauma-informed therapy, and long-term recovery support that extends far beyond a client’s time on campus.
Our approach includes:
- Residential Addiction Treatment for youth and young adults
- Crisis Stabilization and short-term care for acute mental health or behavioral challenges
- Emergency Shelter for youth in crisis
- Peer-Driven Alumni Network offering community and mentorship post-treatment
- Collegiate Recovery Program designed to support young adults pursuing higher education
Now Accepting Referrals—Join Us in Creating a Brighter Future
The Ember Recovery Campus is now open and actively accepting referrals for youth and young adults in need of care. Whether it’s addiction treatment, crisis stabilization, or a safe space to start over, Ember is here to help reignite hope and pave the way for long-term success.
If you or someone you know could benefit from our services, don’t wait—call 515-882-5190 today and take the first step toward healing.
Together, we can turn a spark into a flame.
Andrea Dickerson is a Licensed Therapist and Certified Substance Use Counselor who has worked in behavioral health since 1997. Currently, Andrea is the Director of Behavioral Health, overseeing the Ember residential treatment programs and YSS outpatient counseling clinics throughout Central and North Central Iowa. She became a Motivational Interviewing (MI) trainer in 2006 and provides MI trainings throughout Iowa.
Andrea specializes in working with adolescents and their families and enjoys seeing the family relationships grow through therapy. Andrea is also a CARF International Surveyor, going around North America ensuring behavioral health organizations are meeting required standards.
In her free time, Andrea enjoys cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago Cubs, as well as being an active member of Soroptimist International of the Americas (SIA), a global organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. She has been a member of the SI of Des Moines club since 2012 and has been actively involved at the regional level, currently serving as Co-Governor of the Peaks to Plains Region.
Through her involvement in SIA, Andrea has been actively involved in the Dream Programs, coordinating annual Dream It, Be It: Career Support for Girls projects, which give girls the tools they need to achieve their education and career goals, empowering them to break cycles of poverty, violence, and abuse.