Childcare and Youth Services:

Caring for children can be a pricey endeavor; there are several services in Laramie helping low-income families support their children, from nutrition to healthcare to after- school activities:
 

Laramie Recreation Center

The Laramie Recreation center offers School Age Child Care (SACC) to all children up to the age of 12 from school release time through 5:30 p.m. An after school snack as well as fun activities and homework time are included in the program. Fees are based upon a sliding scale; some families may qualify for scholarships.
 

The HUB

During the school year, Big Brothers/ Big Sisters holds a free after-school program called “The Hub” where youths grades 6 and above can get help with homework, play games with other teens, talk with mentors or just hang out.

 

WIC Program (Women, Infants and Children)

Wyoming WIC supports the nutritional needs of low- income mothers and their children (up to 5 years old). Services include nutrition counseling and education, breastfeeding support, health screening, medical service referrals and monthly supplemental food packages.
 

Dental Health Services

Aids families up to $1000 if they are unable to cover the costs of their child’s dental treatment. Families must complete an initial eligibility examination to determine if income guidelines are met. This is for children from birth to age 18.
 
 

General:

Organizations offering a range of services (both emergency and sustained) to families and individuals in need:
 

Albany County Department of Family Services:

 
Assists qualifying families with child support enforcement, Medicaid, child care assistance, supplemental nutrition assistance (SNAP), Cent$bile Nutrition, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and more.
 

Interfaith Good Samaritan:

 
Provides emergency assistance to families in need of food, goods, personal hygiene items, shelter, and medical needs and/ or transportation (gasoline to maintain employment or doctor’s visits). They may also provide funding for past-due rent that will lead to eviction. Other types of assistance may be available depending on the circumstance. Application process required for most programs.
 

Salvation Army:

 
Crisis situation assistance with food, housing, clothing, gas and minor auto repairs. Also offers some utilities aid in the winter as funds are available. Offers assistance for obtaining medications or eyeglasses available on a limited basis.
 

Low Income Energy Assistance Programs (LIEAP):

Home heating assistance funds for months October through February.
 

Food and Nutrition:

There are a variety of avenues to getting good nutrition on a budget. Laramie is host to both emergency and sustained nutrition help:
 

Cent$ible Nutrition:

​Provides education on low- budget healthy eating. Sponsored through the University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension Program.
 

Interfaith Good Samaritan:

Provides referrals and emergency food assistance of canned foods and breads. USDA Food Commodities will be distributed monthly. An additional food pantry is provided for members of the Laramie community only.
 

Laramie Soup Kitchen:

A non-profit kitchen and pantry with hot lunches for free. Open weekdays 10:30 to 1, sack lunches for the weekend can be obtained on Fridays.
 

Feeding Laramie Valley:

A non-profit community food network that is committed to sell fresh food at a reduced price. Foods items include quality meat, fresh fruit/vegetables and staple items donated local gardens and farmers markets.
 

Clothing:

Organizations offering low-cost or free clothing to Laramie residents:
 

The Clothing Cottage Thrift Boutique and Community Ministry:

Has a selection of low- cost used clothing and household items as well as a selection of free items every day behind the Cottage. Soft goods such as linens, pillows and blankets can be provided on a need basis.
 

Nu2U:

A second- hand store containing used clothing for men, women and children for sell.
 

Goodwill:

Holds a selection of used home goods and clothing for lower prices.
 

Employment:

For persons seeking employment in Laramie or looking to develop professional skills:
 

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR):

Special services available for physically or mentally disables persons wanting to enter or re-enter the workforce.
 

Laramie Workforce Center:

Job placement, vocational rehabilitation (assistance writing resumes, applications, interviews etc.), Workforce Investment Act (WIA) placement, Job Corps information, veteran’s employment services, unemployment insurance call center, free
job seeking workshops, and help with Worker’s Compensation claims.
 

CLIMB Wyoming:

Income eligible single mothers 16-21 who are also Laramie residents are eligible for Climb Wyoming’s services.
As well as providing job- placement and training, the organization focuses on fostering solidarity and friendship between mothers to increase chances for success.
 

Transportation:

PATS Laramie Bus Route:

Offers door-to-door rides $1 each way for senior citizens and the disabled. Operates Monday through Friday 9 AM-4 PM. Out of town medical trips may be arranged upon request with at least 1 days’ notice.