Family Assistance
We at Laramie Montessori School understand that families go through rough times, especially in a college town. On this page are the Family Assistance Programs that Laramie Montessori participates in as well as city, state, and federal programs that are available. We have also included a list of thrift and consignment stores at the bottom of the page for your information and convenience.
Family Assistance Programs through Laramie Montessori School and ACSD#1
These are the Family Assistance Programs that Laramie Montessori directly participates in. Each section has instructions for how to receive more information or how to participate. If you have any questions please call the Laramie Montessori School office at 307-742-9964 or email Christina at cclar@acsd1.org. All information will remain confidential.
Operation Warm
Through our coat program, Operation Warm is dedicated to helping families in need. We believe that every child deserves to feel warm, healthy, and valued. The important gift of a new winter coat provides children with the freedom and confidence to play more, learn more, and do more.
We know what a difference a new coat makes in a child’s life. While we applaud organizations that supply “gently worn” garments, Operation Warm sees firsthand that having a brand new, high-quality coat enhances a child’s well-being, builds self-esteem, and generates a feeling of worth for children living in poverty.
Every October Laramie Montessori participates in the Operation Warm project where we receive and distribute new warm coats to children who need them. We also try to keep extra coats for children who need them throughout the year. This program is not just for Laramie Montessori Students, but any Albany County School District #1 student through their school or through ours. In November we hand them out to children who need them, but parents can also contact us throughout the year if their children need warm coats.
If you have questions or are interested in participating in this program please contact Christina at cclar@acsd1.org or by calling the office at (307) 742-9964. All information from applicants or inquiries is confidential.
Backpack for Kids Program
Our community understands that many of our families have trouble making ends meet. We also understand just how much school breakfast and lunch help families with their food budget. The Backpack for Kids Program is dedicated to providing families with food to help offset the cost of meals on the weekend. This is a local program run by Interfaith/Good Samaritan in conjunction with the Albany County School District #1. Every Friday one backpack with food is given to each student in a family that has signed up for this program, then we ask that those students return the backpacks empty of food to the school to be reused the next week.
If you have questions or are interested in joining this program please contact Christina at cclar@acsd1.org or by calling the office at (307) 742-9964. All information from applicants or inquiries is confidential.
Laramie Montessori School also participates in at least one food drive every year to help support Interfaith/Good Samaritan in their work.
Thanksgiving Meal Program
Every year Albany County School District #1, Interfaith/Good Samaritan, Albertsons, and many other generous citizens and businesses of Laramie provide a Thanksgiving meal for low-income families with children in our community. The application for this program is available through your school or participating daycare. The applications are available in October and are due in early November.
If you have questions or are interested in joining this program please contact Christina at cclar@acsd1.org or by calling the office at (307) 742-9964. All information from applicants or inquiries is confidential.
Christmas Meal and Gift Assistance Program
Every year Albany County School District #1, Interfaith/Good Samaritan, Ridleys, and many other generous citizens and businesses of Laramie provide a Holiday Meal and Gift Assistance for low-income families with children in our community. These programs are separate from each other but are applied for with the same application available from your school or participating daycare in October. This application is due before November 24th.
The Holiday Meal is like the above Thanksgiving Meal Program and provides a meal for a family for Christmas. Albertsons, Interfaith/Good Samaritan, and many other organizations and citizens of Laramie and Albany County donate food and time to provide meals for families in our community. The Gift Assistance Program is where families and organizations in Laramie 'adopt' applicant families and provide gifts for them. When filling out this application please be sure to check whether you need a Meal, Gift Assistance, or both as it is hard to change what you need later.
If you have questions or are interested in joining this program please contact Christina at cclar@acsd1.org or by the office at Laramie Montessori School at (307) 742-9964. All information from applicants or inquiries is confidential.
Community Family Assistance Programs
This is a list of some of the local family assistance programs found in our community. Most local churches have assistance for families, as does the University of Wyoming for students with families.
Interfaith/Good Samaritan
(307) 742-4240
710 Garfield Street– Room 127
Food Pantry Open: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday -Friday with extended hours on Tuesday and Wednesday until 8 p.m. & 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday.
USDA Commodities Distribution: I-GS distributes USDA Food Commodities for residents of Albany County, Wyoming once per month at 710 East Garfield, Room 127, in the Laramie Plains Civic Center. If you have any questions, please call Brenda at (307) 742-4240.
Mission: To cooperate with other organizations and agencies to provide assistance to women, men, and children in emergency situations when no other help is available.
Services Offered
Food Pantry
USDA Commodities Distribution
Toys-for-Tots
Other Community assistance programs
Emergency Crisis Assistance according to his/her/their needs. Interfaith-Good Samaritan is and agency of last resort for Crisis Assistance.
Laramie Soup Kitchen
(307) 721-4723
104 S. 4th St. (basement of St. Matthew’s Cathedral Church)
Food Pantry Open: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Monday-Friday
Soup Kitchen Open: 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Monday-Friday
Located in the basement of St. Matthew's church we are a soup kitchen and food pantry in Laramie, Wyoming. We provide hot lunches Monday through Friday from 11:00 am - 1:30 pm and our doors are open from 8:00 am -2:00 pm. Though we are closed on Saturdays and Sundays, we provide sack lunches for the weekend.
Food is free to all, no requirements are needed or questions asked.
On average, we serve between 50 to 60 people on a daily basis. We believe hunger hits more than the stomach and are committed to creating a community that feeds the stomach as well as the soul.
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The Clothing Cottage
(307) 745-0625
310 University Ave
Open Tuesday-Friday 10:00 AM-5:30 PM & Saturdays 10:00 AM-2:00 PM or by appointment. Closed on holidays.
Serving the Laramie and surrounding communities through the sale & redistribution of QUALITY used clothing, shoes, household items, and jewelry! Our prices are low, but if you can't afford to pay, we are happy to pass on FREE clothing or household items, simply ask at the counter. We also provide many clothing and household items FREE every day behind the Cottage across from the Laramie Soup Kitchen. We facilitate the recycling of items that we cannot sell.
The clothing cottage does not sell or provide children's clothing.
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Wyoming Work Force
(307) 742-2153
3817 Beech St. Suite 100
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Laramie Wyoming Work Force office offers training, services, testing, and other employment resources to our community. They will help people who come in by registering on the Wyoming at Work Website, which provides access to job information from all over the state. They also will provide a small amount of interview or work clothing for those who need it for free. They also provide fax services for applying for employment or benefits.
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Toys for Tots
(307) 214-2155
laramie.wy@toysfortots.org
The Laramie Detachment #777, Marine Corps League, is the primary sponsor of the Laramie
Toys For Tots Program. The coordinator and assistant coordinator are members of the Laramie Detachment as are many of the volunteers who assist carrying out the program. The Laramie Toys For Tots Program partners with the Interfaith-Good Samaritan organization. The Interfaith-Good Samaritan office receives the "signups" from families requesting toys. Then the Toys For Tots Program provides toys for the children of these families. The citizens of Albany County and the City of Laramie are very important because they provide the toys and funds that make the entire program successful. Without them and the businesses that provide drop locations for toys and funds, the program could not exist. The Eppson Center for Seniors also cooperates with Toys For Tots by providing storage and a place for the distribution of toys to families that have signed up for toys. The University of Wyoming's Student Athletes' Advisory Council (SAAC) is a very important partner in that the student-athletes greatly assist in toy gathering and fundraising. This is a Holiday program only.
If you are a resident of Albany County, including Laramie, and you wish to request a toy for your child (16 years of age or younger): please contact the INTERFAITH-GOOD SAMARITAN Organization By visiting them at 710 E. Garfield, room 127.
PH: (307) 742 4240; email:info@laramieinterfaith.org
Note: the last day to request is DEC. 1, 2024
Downtown Clinic
(307) 745-8445
611 S. 2nd Street
Clinic Hours:
New and current clients are seen by appointment on Wednesdays only. We also will see a limited number of walk-ins. Call 745-8445 to arrange an appointment or other assistance.
Tuesday: 5:30 - 6 p.m. for medication pickup
Wednesday: 3 - 7 p.m. for primary care clinic
Thursday: 9 a.m. to noon for lab clinic and medication pickup
The Downtown Clinic provides comprehensive primary health care for low-income, uninsured residents of Albany County. Our services include primary care, counseling, pharmacy, lab and diagnostic testing, and emergency dental.
The Downtown Clinic provides free primary health care (non-emergency) for acute and chronic conditions for Albany County residents who meet the eligibility guidelines.
Once qualified as a Downtown Clinic client, the services below are available at no charge.
counseling
pharmacy
laboratory and diagnostic testing
emergency dental
In addition to these services, the Downtown Clinic provides health education and assists clients in accessing other needed services.
Peak Wellness Center
Laramie Office
Clinic Hours:
Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Walk-In Hours:
Monday at 8:30 a.m.
Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.
Thursday at 3:00 p.m.
All Albany County Walk-In services are first come, first served.
Who We Are
Peak Wellness Center, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit system of care that provides accessible, affordable, and effective mental health and substance abuse services to the residents of Albany, Goshen, Laramie, and Platte Counties in Wyoming.
What We Do
Peak Wellness Center is committed to offering a comprehensive, balanced, and coordinated system of community-based services that respects and advocates for the individual dignity of our clients, and that produces meaningful improvements in the quality of life for our clients and for our communities.
At some point in our lives, most people are faced with issues like stress, depression, and other emotional problems. Although these topics may not always be openly discussed, these life challenges are common and normal. When a problem arises, it is a smart decision to ask for help. Our services include individual, family, and group counseling, and psychiatric consultations.
Fees
Peak Wellness Center is a private, non-profit organization supported by client fees, United Way, and funding from federal, state, county, and city governments. We have offered affordable, accessible, and confidential care in Albany, Laramie, Goshen, and Platte counties since 1959.
Don’t let money be a barrier to achieving peak wellness. Fees are based on each client’s ability to pay. At your first “intake” appointment, we will discuss your fees and your course of treatment, so you will know what to expect.
We work on a Sliding Fee Scale for qualifying patients. Please do not allow payment to keep you from seeking help for yourself or your family.
SAFE Project
Mission Statement
Our mission is to advocate for and empower survivors of stalking, intimate partner, family, and sexual violence. Our education and awareness efforts are focused on prevention and improved community response.
History
The roots of the Albany County SAFE Project can be traced back to 1974. A group of nine female University of Wyoming (UW) law students saw a need to raise awareness of rape at UW and in Laramie. With UW approval these women opened and staffed the Women's Awareness Movement Office (WAMO) on campus to provide educational materials to women. At the same time the law students were raising awareness about rape, a community group of feminists was organizing around the issue of family violence. This group of men and women donated money and raised funds to set up a voucher system to pay for hotel rooms when women and children fled abusive situations. In 1977 these two groups came together and in May of 1980, the Albany County SAFE Project was incorporated by Jane Warren.
Services
All of our services are free and confidential. We do not discriminate for access to services on the basis of race/ethnicity, language, sex, gender, age, sexual orientation, (dis)ability, social class, economic status, education, marital status, religious affiliation, residency, HIV status, or immigration status. Every woman, child, and man is entitled to live a life free of fear and violence.
Free and Confidential Services Offered:
Short-term crisis intervention
Advocacy and options counseling
24-hour hotline
Safety planning
Emergency shelter or a short-term motel stay
Emergency cell phones with minutes
Emergency transportation
Help arrange a civil standby
Help with bus tickets and relocation
Pay for lock changes and new keys
Pay for copies of important documents (i.e. driver’s license, birth certificate, social security card)
Advocate support at the hospital to provide information and clothing to sexual assault exam patients
Accompaniment to the police department to file reports
Assistance with completing and filing the following protective orders:
Domestic Violence Protection Orders
Stalking Protection Orders
Sexual Assault Protection Orders
Court accompaniment and support
Help with victim compensation
Financial education and budgeting classes
Referrals to other community agencies
Prevention education for students, children, teens, adults, organizations and the community
Emergency financial aid (rent, gift cards, etc.)
How to contact the SAFE Project:
24-Hour Hotline: 307-745-3556
Office Phone: 307-742-7273 (only available during office hours, call the hotline after business hours)
Office: 319 South Lincoln St. Laramie, WY
Cathedral Home for Children
Location: 4989 N. 3rd Street, Laramie, WY 82072
Phone: 307-745-8997
Fax: 307-742-6146
Email: info@cathedralhome.org
Website: http://www.cathedralhome.org/
Cathedral Home for Children is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to helping traumatized youth and their families. We offer a comprehensive spectrum of support and services ranging from community prevention programs, residential placement, education, and transitioning youth back into society. The community prevention programs we offer can help resolve problems before they escalate decreasing the need for out-of-home placement in a residential treatment center. Our community prevention programs include the Laramie Youth Crisis Center, Albany County Expelled and Suspended (ACES), Bold Step, Carbon County Youth Crisis Center, and Extended Families.
CHC also offers a residential treatment center that provides programs for youth who require a combination of therapeutic, educational, and clinical services in a group care setting. We provide mental health treatment to individuals under 18 years of age, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
CHC's residential treatment center is located just north of Laramie, WY. The campus includes five residential cottages, an on-site health care center, an education center, and a chapel. We also offer two off-campus in-town homes.
The central principle through which care is delivered is the importance of building relationships. We are devoted to restoring hope, strengthening relationships, and building futures.
Laramie Crisis Center
Location: 960 N. 5th St., Laramie, WY 82072
Phone: 307-721-3883
Fax: 307-745-3854
Website: http://www.cathedralhome.org/laramie-youth-crisis-center.html
We are awake when you are! We are here whenever you need to talk about the struggles you are having.
The Crisis Center has a 24-hour-a-day, no-cost, “open door-open phone” policy for families and youth in need. LYCC provides a safe, therapeutic, compassionate, and structured environment for youth while families work through the crisis with them. In times of family turmoil, the Crisis Center provides guidance and intervention geared toward the protection and preservation of the family.
Temporary emergency care and shelter is provided for youth aged 0-17 years. LYCC is designed for crisis intervention based on the family's needs. We don't define the crisis. Most youth return home in one to three days. The Crisis Center primarily serves Albany County; however, its service can extend to youth throughout Wyoming and runaways who need a safe haven.
LYCC provides a “time-out” away from home for youth as families cool down, de-stress, and refocus. This prevents problems from escalating and helps families work through difficult periods.
For youth who commit less serious offenses, the Crisis Center provides an alternative to jail/detention and offers support for youth and families involved in the court system.
For families raising difficult youth some respite care is available, working with the therapists, family needs, and availability.
LYCC also offers the ACES program. ACES (Albany County Expelled and Suspended) is a choice for families whose student has been suspended or expelled.
The ACES Program
Location: Laramie Youth Crisis Center, 960 North 5th Street Laramie, WY 82072
Phone: 307-721-3883
Fax: 307-745-3854
Hours: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Website: http://www.cathedralhome.org/aces.html
The ACES Program is a voluntary program for Albany County school youth who have been expelled or suspended. ACES is designed to help students stay on top of their school work and provide support for their families. Youth are supervised and instruction is provided by an Albany County School District teacher and an LYCC Youth Worker. The family is supported as they set goals and resolve the issues that caused the suspension/expulsion.
To help the student be successful, parents drop off their youth at 8:00 a.m. and pick them up at 3:00 p.m. ACES works cooperatively with the school district to provide school work and is a free-of-charge choice program. Space is limited to ten students.
Parents will be asked to pick one of the following options to help provide support for the family and youth:
Individual Counseling: Students in the ACES program will have the opportunity to meet with Belinda Bacon, LYCC's provisional licensed therapist during the school day.
Family Meetings: The family can schedule a family meeting to discuss issues within the family.
Career Exploration: Staff will help students explore career options. Personality tests and career information will be provided.
Teacher Meeting: ACES teacher can set up a meeting with the student and/or parent with a teacher the student is struggling with.
Resources: LYCC staff can help refer students or parents to other community resources.
Extended Tutoring and Homework Help: Tutoring will be available for students from ACES teachers or LYCC staff.
Respite Care at Crisis Center: LYCC offers respite care for kids 0-17, please set up a time with the LYCC Director and Counselor.
In-Home Meeting: In-home family meetings can be arranged for LYCC ACES workers to conduct services at students' homes with parents.
The ACES Summer Program
The ACES Summer Program is for youth 10-16 years old who are looking for a positive way to spend their summer. This program provides positive activities and encourages youth to develop their strengths through physical activity, volunteering, and crafts. Every day is a new adventure for the group. For questions, please contact LYCC (307-742-5936).
Extended Families Program
Location: 704 South 3rd St.
Phone: 307-742-3302
Website: http://www.cathedralhome.org/extended-families.html
The goal of Extended Families is to support and promote family resiliency and family unity. We welcome any family, helping them determine which of our program offerings might be a good fit for their family’s individualized needs. Families may refer themselves or they may be referred by the court system, the Department of Family Services, or any community partner. Our program is family-centered and strength-based and with the assistance of one of our team members, families will be provided support and learning opportunities to develop skills to coordinate their care plan, lessen dependence on professionals, and build upon their internal resources and natural supports. While our program is individualized for every family that walks in our door, some of our program offerings include:
High Fidelity Wraparound
A family-led, strengths and team-supported approach, to addressing needs
One team, one plan, and integration of all systems involved with the family
Community partnerships that support keeping children and youth in their community and with their family
Adherence to the National Standards for Wraparound (HTTP: www.nwi.pdx.edu/fidelity.shtml)
Parenting Education and Support
Families may refer themselves or be referred by a community partner, including the court system
Individualized to address the parenting needs of all families
In-office support, as well as in-home coaching, to promote skill development
Co-parenting support for divorced or separated parents
Co-parenting and blended family workshops are offered periodically throughout the year
Education and support offered without judgment, with the understanding that parenting, at times, can be frustrating and difficult for any parent
State and Federal Family Assistance
This is a list of some state and federal family assistance programs and organizations available to our community.
Albany County Public Health
(307) 721-2561
609 South 2nd Street, Laramie, WY 82070
This office offers a broad range of health services to families in our community. If you are having problems affording your child's immunizations for Kindergarten please stop in and talk to the Albany County Public Health Office. For more information on services offered by the Albany County Public Health Office go to their website by following the link.
For information on the Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Program.
Kid Care CHIP (SCHIP)
The State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) is a partnership between the Federal and state governments that provides health coverage to uninsured children whose families earn too much to qualify for Medicaid, but too little to afford private coverage. All states provide immunizations and well-baby/well-child care at no cost. Kid Care CHIP is the Wyoming state program for SCHIP.
The fastest and most efficient method to apply for Kid Care CHIP is to call our Customer Service Center at
(855) 294-2127, and complete an application over the phone or by completing an online application at: www.wesystem.wyo.gov. Our staff is ready to assist you with completing this process and answering any questions you may have. You may also complete a paper application and return it to us by mail, fax, or in person. Call our Customer Service Center to request a paper application be mailed to you or download and print the streamlined version. Please note it can take up to 45 days to process applications.
Please go to the Does My Child Qualify page on the web page for the Wyoming Department of Health to find out if your child or household qualifies.
Wyoming Department of Family Services Family Assistance
Below are links to various federal and state family assistance programs. Don't forget to also go to Albany County Public Health for other programs.
Personal Opportunities With Employment Responsibilities (POWER)
Cent$ible Nutrition
Equality Care/Medicaid online form
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - Food Assistance
Telephone Assistance (TAP)
Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
Low Income Energy Assistance (LIEAP)
Weatherization Assistance (WAP)
Thrift and Consignment Stores in Laramie
Some of the greatest and least expensive stores in Laramie! If you know of another store in Laramie that is not on this list or found above please get in touch with us!
Nu2U Thrift Store
(307) 721-3070
Location 1: Furniture and Sports
116 E Custer St Between S 2nd St and S 1st St
Business Hours
Monday - Saturday: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sunday: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Location 2: Clothing and Accessories
(307) 742-3979
520 S. 5th Street
Business Hours
Monday - Saturday: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sunday: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Looking to find fantastic adult clothing, we have it. Want consignment that is fair and easy, that's us! Name brand, outdoor, vintage, western, costume, the possibilities are endless. Jewelry and other accessories are also abundant. Outdoor equipment consignments are creating buzz. We reuse and re-purpose as well. You may donate goods to us any day and find fantastic furniture, household items, and treasures as well! Anything is possible, come let us make your day today
Goodwill
(307) 460-9566
1575 North 4th Street, Laramie, WY 82072
Monday-Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
We are proud to serve Wyoming! GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF WYOMING is a CARF (Commission of Accreditation for Rehabilitation Facilities) accredited Program offering a broad range of services for individuals with disabilities. Goodwill offers job placement, vocational assessment, and job coaching services to assist individuals in obtaining economic and social independence. We also offer day habilitation, in-home support services, and independent living training for individuals. To find out more information please visit our Services page or contact our Administrative Office at 307-634-0823.
We're working to build a better community, one person at a time. We have five major program areas that serve people with disabilities in our communities: Residential Habilitation, Day Habilitation, In-Home Support Services, Supported Employment Services, and a new program under development of the Incarcerated Parents Program (KIPP). These services work in our own great state of Wyoming to improve the quality of life for many residents each year. If you're researching disability programs in Wyoming, we thank you for stopping by to review our programs and see firsthand how the good in the community gives us the power to do all that we do!
The Goodwill Store sells children's clothing and shoes, as well as children's items.
