YPN

YPN (formerly Young Parents Network) is dedicated to building successful families. This mission is put into action through prenatal and parenting support groups and services, as well as youth development and prevention programs. YPN equips parents with children ages 0-5 so they can be the best they can be. YPN was founded in 1985 by community leaders who recognized that there was a lack of support for young families in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. With the support of Mercy Medical Center, a group serving young moms was formed and had about 34 young women participate in the first year. Services evolved to add a separate group for young dads with the support of the Hall Perrine Foundation in 1988. Since that time YPN has taken on the a leadership role in East Central Iowa as the provider of ongoing comprehensive year round programs that allow the families to be involved until their child enters kindergarten. Due to the extensive collaborative relationships that have been formed in the community, YPN is often the first point of contact for families who are in need of additional support. In addition, YPN runs the We Care Shop, a full retail space dedicated to housing donated baby care items such as diapers, wipes, clothing, formula, books, toys and more. Participants access the shop using their incentive points earned by attending YPN programs, accomplishing personal goals and making healthy lifestyle choices for themselves and their children.