Ames-based Youth & Shelter Services Inc. and Francis Lauer Youth Services, based in Mason City, have entered into an agreement to merge, the organizations announced. On July 1, 2016, Francis Lauer Youth Services will become a community-based program of YSS, maintaining all of its local services in northern Iowa. The two organizations currently partner on multiple community-based initiatives, including Basic Center Runaway Services, Transitional Living Services, Community-Based Treatment Through Juvenile Court Services, Iowa Aftercare Services Network and AMP Foster Care Youth Council Services. “YSS has a long history of creating strong community partnerships and collaborations to serve youth across the state of Iowa and is committed to maintaining a local presence in north Iowa,” YSS CEO Andrew Allen said. “We’re excited to offer expanded services, and we will be better together.”