Links of Life Youth Conference

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An evening of fun, entertainment, inspiration and sharing is in the making! DHS along with a number of community organizations are in the process of planning an event that will be held on Tuesday, August 8th from 4:00-8:00 PM. It is going to be held at The Bridge at Lutheran Church of Hope at 925 Jordan Creek Pkwy in West Des Moines, IA.

The evening is planned for youth in the age range of 14 - 23/24 that may be encountering challenges in their lives. It may include youth who are currently involved with the Department of Human Services or Juvenile Court Services, or who may have previously been adopted. Additionally, the evening is also planned for youth who may be considered at risk and may have been involved with various other programs such as Young Women’s Resource Center, Connect 2 Success - WIOA Program, and I-JAG.

The evening is being planned with the focus of making connections, empowering themselves, and engagement with youth of similar backgrounds. By participating in an activity, they will also have the opportunity to connect with providers or vendors to learn more about what services are available in the community.

The providers attending will also be able to engage with youth in a fun and interactive role. We would like to have prizes on various different levels to award to those who complete the activity. Through this connection the youth may feel more comfortable reaching out to request the service they learned about. We want youth to know they are not in this journey alone!

*** We are seeking a variety of donated prizes for youth in the age range of 14 - 23/24 that may be encountering challenges in their lives. Ideas can include, but is not limited to, gift cards to Target, Walmart, etc. Themed gift baskets (kitchen utensils, movies, home/apartment supplies, cleaning supplies, crockpots, bathroom/hygiene products, laundry, bed sheets). You DO NOT have to be present. Donations can be brought to the DHS office at 2309 Euclid Avenue prior to the event. I’m also willing to coordinate transportation to pick up any items. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me, my information is provided below! If you have any family, friends, churches, or other organizations that might be interested please forward them my information.***

Will Keeps has been selected to be the keynote speaker for the evening. He is a local rapper and R&B artist who uses his talents to empower youth and promote anit-violence.