Ellipsis

08/31/2026

Ellipsis assesses for Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs, during intake to better understand the trauma many young people have faced before age 18. More than half of Ellipsis youth have an ACE score of four or more, with the average ACE score among those we serve being 4.2. For reference, only 15.8% of all Americans report an ACE score of four or more.

The ACE scores we see reflect the significant adversity many kids and families in our community are carrying, but they do not define what comes next.

With the right support, healing is possible. Read more on our blog: https://bit.ly/4gIeJMC

08/28/2026

West Bank Strong shows up for Ellipsis in more ways than one — on our board, through volunteer and executive support, and now with a grant for general program support awarded this week. That's what real partnership looks like. Thank you, West Bank.

Pictured from left to right: Chris Andersen, Chief Philanthropy Officer at Ellipsis; Kelly Hannan, CEO at Ellipsis; and Kirk Besh, Senior Vice President at West Bank and board member at Ellipsis.

08/28/2026

We want teens to feel empowered to be themselves, improve their mental health and reach their goals. As they transition back to the classroom and more social settings, help remind them:

08/26/2026

Want to make a difference in the lives of Iowa youth? All you need is a whole lot of heart. 💚

Whether you’re interested in volunteering, donating or hosting a supply drive, there’s a place for you at Ellipsis.

Explore ways to get involved: EllipsisIowa.org/get-involved.

08/25/2026

A gift of $30 provides a youth with the opportunity to experience a movie at the theater — maybe for the first time! A donation of this amount or more is a small act that sends a powerful message: Creating positive experiences and memories matters.

Please consider giving today: https://tr.ee/yvKK4lKCi5

08/24/2026

Wishing all the kids in our community a great first week of school! Share your first-day-of-school moments with us in the comments below.

08/21/2026

Teaching life skills is essential — and building financial confidence is one of the most important skills our youth can learn. From budgeting to goal setting, our staff helps them understand how to manage money and create financial independence that lasts into adulthood.

It’s one more way we help young people step forward with strength. https://tr.ee/IR8l5oRNL7

08/19/2026

For Bobbie Jo Harrings, caring for young people is a calling.

After seven years with Ellipsis and experience in nearly every direct-care role within the shelter, she is stepping into a new position as shelter program director. Her journey has taught her to look beyond a child’s behavior, remain focused through the hardest days and trust that even a brief connection can have a lifelong impact.

Meet Bobbie Jo and read her inspiring staff spotlight:
https://tr.ee/bGSIxWteL5

08/18/2026

Don’t let the shadow of doubt, past trauma or others’ opinions hold your teenager back. You can help them set goals and support them as they reach for success. Ellipsis offers a full range of services to help you and your teen every step of the way.

What goals are you setting for yourself or your family as the new school year approaches? 👇

08/14/2026

A record-setting day made possible by an incredible community. ⛳

TEEllipsis ’26: The Ellipsis Eighteen and our virtual auction raised more than $161,000 to support Ellipsis and the kids and families we serve in Iowa. This marks the fourth consecutive year the event has set a new fundraising record. Since TEEllipsis began in 1998, it has raised more than $2.3 million for our programs and services!

Read more about the record-setting event and the many partners who made it successful: https://tr.ee/IlQ3wDm7-7

Thanks to the generosity of golfers, sponsors, auction participants, volunteers and supporters, this year’s tournament and virtual auction raised more than $161,000 for Ellipsis. While a few final details are still being confirmed, one thing is certain: This year’s event set a new fundraising re...