Nunn Secures $1 Million Investment to Expand Youth Recovery and Workforce Pathways in Central Iowa

"Every young Iowan deserves the chance to get back on their feet and build a future right here at home," said Rep. Nunn . "This new investment strengthens Ember Recovery Campus's ability to deliver comprehensive recovery services all under one roof, creating real pathways to stability, opportunity, and long-term success."

Rep. Nunn secured the funding through the FY2026 Community Project Funding (CPF) process. The award, funded through Economic Development Initiatives, will support Phase 2 of the Ember Recovery Campus expansion.

Once complete, Phase 2 will increase supportive housing capacity and add dedicated workforce training space, a wellness hub, expanded supportive housing, and recovery-centered recreational facilities, allowing the campus to serve more young Iowans with an integrated, whole-person approach. Designed specifically for adolescents and transition-age youth, the campus addresses homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges through coordinated care and long-term support.

The investment builds on Rep. Nunn's broader efforts to combat substance abuse and expand access to recovery services. His bipartisan Communities of Recovery Reauthorization Act , signed into law in December 2025 as part of the SUPPORT Act, more than tripled federal funding for community-based recovery programs - reinforcing the model used at Ember.

Rep. Nunn previously secured $1.6 million in federal funding for Phase 1 of the campus, which opened one year ago today . With this new funding, total federal support for Ember now reaches $2.6 million - helping scale services, reduce waitlists, and expand access across central Iowa.

"Ember Recovery Campus was our answer to the substance use crisis facing young people in Iowa," said Andrew Allen, YSS President & CEO . "Phase 2 is building on that momentum, expanding into workforce development and community-based recovery, and creating a movement to help make central Iowa one of the best places in the country for young people to recover."

"This expansion helps us say yes to even more healing, support, and possibility for the youth we serve," said Anna Gonzalez, Ember Associate Director of Client Services .

State and local leaders emphasized the long-term impact the expansion will have on families, the workforce, and communities across the region.

"Even from Washington, D.C., Congressman Nunn has maintained his steadfast dedication to Iowa's next generation," said State Rep. Brian Lohse . "Iowa deserves to be this country's premier destination in the fight against addiction, and Iowa's youth deserve a voice that will fight for them at every level. Thank you, Congressman Nunn, for your continued support of Iowa's next generation!"

"Thank you, Congressman Nunn, and thank you to all of our partners at the federal, county, and local levels. Today's announcement is a meaningful investment in young people and families across our region," said Polk County Supervisor Mark Holm . "Ember Recovery Campus plays a critical role in helping youth stabilize, heal, and build a stronger future, and this support for Phase 2 will expand the reach and impact of that work. We're grateful for the collaboration that makes this possible and for the shared commitment to ensuring every young person has the opportunity to recover and thrive."

"We appreciate Congressman Nunn's support and advocacy for the YSS Ember Recovery Campus and the Community Project Funding," said Laura Jolly, Dean of Health and Human Sciences, Iowa State University . "This Phase 2 expansion is an exciting and meaningful step forward for YSS, Ember, and the youth who will be served."

The project has received strong support from Iowa State University, Mary Greeley Medical Center, Story and Polk County supervisors, behavioral health providers, and community partners across central Iowa.

Photos of the press conference are available here .

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