A year of transformation: Celebrating the anniversary of Ellipsis’ South Campus renovation

On Feb. 23, 2024, Ellipsis welcomed youth into the newly renovated South Campus — a state-of-the-art clustered supervised apartment living facility designed to provide stability, independence and support. Once outdated and underutilized, the newly transformed apartment space is now a vibrant, welcoming home where young people take their next steps toward a brighter future. One year later, we celebrate the renovation and the lives changed within the campus walls.

A fresh start

For staff and youth alike, move-in day was an emotional and exciting experience. Nikki Thomson, LISW, SOTP-II, chief clinical officer at Ellipsis, recalled the energy and joy of the day, comparing it to a grand coronation. “The kids coming in and getting to essentially shop for all the things they wanted for their apartments — it was awesome,” she said. “It was something else to watch them walk in and to see their faces in awe or disbelief that this space was theirs.”

The community played a huge role in making this day special. Thanks to generous donations from the Ellipsis Amazon Wish List, a hallway was transformed into a shopping experience where youth could pick out everyday essentials, like bedding, dishes, vacuums and laundry baskets.

 For many, the South Campus represents more than just a new living arrangement; it’s a tangible symbol of a fresh start and a future filled with possibilities.

The impact of clustered SAL

Ellipsis’ South Campus is the first of its kind in Iowa — a true apartment-style complex where youth live in their own space, with their own bathroom and kitchen, while receiving 24/7 support. Unlike scattered SAL, where young people live independently with periodic check-ins, clustered SAL ensures trained staff are always available.

 This model has had a profound impact on the youth living there. One young woman graduated from three different programs, from shelter to treatment, before moving into her own apartment at South Campus. Today, she has graduated from high school, is employed and is building a future for herself.

The well-designed, modern space has allowed them to grow and learn; it’s also shifted their expectations for their future. “I’ve heard comments from staff that our youth who have been living at South are starting to set higher standards for themselves,” said Chris Koepplin, MSW, MBA, CEO of Ellipsis. “I think living somewhere nicer has motivated some of them to want to earn more money and be able to move into a nicer place.”

A hopeful space: Building confidence and independence

More than just a place to sleep, the South Campus apartments are designed to teach life skills essential for long-term success. Residents learn how to budget, cook, clean and manage their schedules, all while knowing that staff are there when needed.

The importance of this structured independence cannot be overstated. Many of the youth at Ellipsis have spent years in group care, where decisions were often made for them. Or they’re coming from a place where they had no rules or structure. The South Campus model provides a crucial middle ground — allowing youth to experience autonomy and respect to make their own choices while having a safety net of support.

“There’s a lot of trust involved,” said Nikki. “The staff are committed to the program and the kids. In our other residential programs, our staff focus on structure, supervision and safety. And while those are elements of this program, these staff members are more focused on ‘how do I get this kid to a place where they can leave us and be OK — they won’t be homeless or incarcerated or without hope.’ There's just a very different approach. They set expectations really high for these kids, letting them know it’s hard work, but they’re worth the effort they put into themselves.”

Setting the standard for the future

The success of our South Campus has not gone unnoticed. Other organizations across Iowa are now looking to replicate this model. As one staff member shared, the renovation has prompted referring agencies to reconsider how they prepare youth for independent living.

“This space has redefined expectations,” said Nikki. “Now, when kids enter clustered SAL, they need to be at a point where they can truly take care of themselves. The state is starting to recognize that independent living isn’t just a default option — it’s something you prepare for.”

A testament to community support

The South Campus renovation wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support from donors, corporations and individuals who believe in the mission of Ellipsis. Staff members frequently give tours of the facility to showcase what community investment has made possible.

One of the most impactful aspects of the program is that when youth leave, they take their household items — dishes, silverware, pots and pans — with them, setting them up for a successful start in their new homes. This also ensures each new resident gets to start fresh with brand-new items, reinforcing a sense of ownership and dignity.

Looking ahead

As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to expanding and improving our services. The South Campus renovation has set a new standard for how we support youth in transition, and it has laid the groundwork for our next major project: the renovation of Noble Campus. Our vision is to reinvent the current two-story office space into a similar setting, specifically designed to support young women.

We invite our community to be part of this transformation. Donations don’t just help us renovate a building — they’re a launching pad for young people striving for a better future.