Needs From: Central Iowa RSVP

Iowa Resource for International Service (IRIS), a 501(c)3 organization located in downtown Ames, works with the U.S. Department of State to implement the Youth Exchange & Study (YES) Program in Iowa. YES participants are high school students (age 15-18) from Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. The students have won scholarships from the U.S. State Department to build leadership skills, gain an understanding and appreciation for community service, and share their cultures with Americans. In return, these students take back a love for America - and specifically, Iowa - dispelling misconceptions about our country and culture in their home countries.

Host families are needed for one semester or full school year commitments. Students live as a member of your family - chores, meals, church, activities, and other family expectations. Families receive a small stipend to offset school and activity registration and fees, and students are provided with monthly stipends to cover some of their personal costs. Our students are required to get involved in activities, do monthly community service, and integrate fully as a part of your family, high school, and community.

For more information about hosting with IRIS, visit www.iris-center.org/yes-program.

Iowa Resource for International Service (IRIS) is constantly in search of individuals and families throughout Story County to act as short term host families for our international guests. Once a year, IRIS has adults from Eastern Europe who come to Iowa to attend professional development programs for about three weeks. Area host families can act as a home-away-from-home for our participants as they develop skills in Iowa to take back home. Host families need only a bedroom for their guests and a hospitable attitude - sharing meals and taking guests about on your daily lives is enough to show international participants what a snapshot of life is like here in Iowa.