 Kick-off of 2012 Campaign
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United Way of Laramie County kicked off the 2012 general campaign and announced the results of the Pacesetter campaign on Monday, September 10 at the Holiday Inn in Cheyenne. The 2012 Co-Chairs, Tim & Kathy Joannides and Dr. Bob Prentice & Dr. Sandra Surbrugg, announced $552,181.41 was raised by the 61 Pacesetter companies. This is up 23 companies from last year.
United Way of Laramie County provides funding to 25 Program Partners who assist over 26,000 Laramie County residents yearly. The co-chairs spoke of the great services being provided by the Program Partners and how United Way dollars are changing lives in Laramie County.
Much of the money raised is through employer campaigns and corporate gifts. Individuals, however, remain key to the campaign's success. The campaign will continue through December 31.
Four local car dealers have also joined together to provide a chance to win a $15,000 car voucher to those who contribute at least $168 to the 2012 campaign. The winner is selected after the first of the year from 13 semi-finalists drawn throught the campaign. This is the ninth year of the Car Voucher Program. This year's contributing dealerships are Cowboy Dodge Jeep Chrysler, Halladay Motors, Kia of Cheyenne and Spradley Barr Motors. |
Why United Way Matters
By Sara Janes |
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I have always been a supporter of United Way. Originally it was just through thinking it was a great organization and that what they do is worthwhile for our community. More recently though, my support for United Way has become much closer to my heart. Last year I was asked by my agency head at work to be the United Way coordinator for the 2011 campaign. I was first of all honored to be asked, and then I was somewhat stumped as to what I could do to really make a difference. I realized that I didn't like to be begged for money (no matter what the cause was) and thought there were probably many others like me out there as well.
So, I decided I needed to find out for myself why United Way matters. I knew I needed to volunteer at some of the United Way recipient organizations so I could see first-hand what United Way does in our community. Also, I felt it was important for me to share my experiences with the other employees in my organization so they could "see" what I saw, and could then make a decision as to whether or not they wanted to donate. Read More |
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COMEA House
by Sara Janes |
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I thought I knew what "homeless" looked like; then I spent some time volunteering at the Comea House. I learned rather quickly that my preconceived ideas were far from reality. I saw men and women, young and old, addicts and non-addicts, religious and secular persons. Basically I saw a slice of the general population...all co-residents in a homeless shelter.
I visited Comea House to attend a "Journey" class offered to any resident with a case plan in place for re-entry into society. Although the course was originally chartered to teach resume writing and employment skills, it has since transformed into a lifestyle recovery process class.
Read More |
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Special Friends |
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Special Friends is the youth mentoring program of Youth Alternatives. They provide adult volunteer mentors to youth ages 6-14 in Cheyenne and surrounding communities.
Mentors spend at least three hours a week with their mentee for a period of one year. For more information visit the Special Friends website.
We received the following testimonial from a parent involved with Special Friends. |
| A Special Friends Testimonial
by LaVerne Fuller |
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outreach program have been in my two boys' lives (William and Derrick) for 3 1/2 years. They just love all the activities that are offered. If it wasn't for the fun and activities that are offered every Wednesday, they would not have hardly anything that they do with other boys outside their circle of school friends.
I also would like to thank the whole staff for all the times they have helped my family in general. Every time I have had a situation that I was not able to do things for my boys, Special Friends was there with a way to help. Read More
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