The Story of Reggie Kelsey

Reggie Kelsey was a young man who aged out of the foster care system in 2001, and within three and a half months, died in the Des Moines River.

Reggie had an endearing personality, but suffered from hallucinations and depression. He worried about how he would survive on his own. After being kicked out of his latest foster care placement, Reggie bounced from one shelter to another, and occasionally camped outside while working with Iowa Homeless Youth Centers’ street outreach staff and others to try to qualify for federal disability payments.

As a result of Reggie’s death, Youth & Shelter Services, Inc. (IHYC’s parent organization) led the effort to develop the Iowa Aftercare Services Network to provide services to those aging out of foster care. The program has now been expanded to include a monthly stipend and additional services and is referred to as the PAL (Preparation for Adult Living) program.

Reggie’s Place Coffee Shop at 701 Grand Ave and Reggie’s Sleepout have been named in honor of Reggie and our commitment to prevent another like tragedy.