April 2010

• A Walk in Poverty –Simulations continue to be a success. On April 22, 2010 CALC will once again hold a poverty simulation at Laramie County Community College.  Poverty Simulations are designed to create awareness to the realities of poverty issues in our community. Issues include finding food, shelter, child care, employment and other basic needs to provide for you and your family. Reservation deadline is April 2, 2010. Please include full name, phone number and email address for all those who wish to attend. Send all information or questions to AskUs@calc.net.
  Poverty Simulation Poster

To find out about previous simulations please read below.
April 2009 - Community members, college students from LCCC, state and government employees as well as volunteers gathered in the Centennial Room at LCCC for an event to face the hardships of poverty. Did they make it through the simulated “weeks”? Were parents able to provide for their families? The feedback and success of the April 2009 Poverty Simulation was nothing but positive.

All participants were given a different identity, whether it was a homeless individual, a single mother with a crying baby, or an eight year old child in a family of five. Each individual or family was given a different synopsis and when the whistle blew to start the first 15 minute-week they didn’t quite know what they were in store for. As the “week” sessions continued frustration grew as they impatiently waited in lines and tried to care for their families by making the right decision. “We were able to eat the first week, but couldn’t pay rent and eat the second. We then had to make the choice of which basic need was more important, food or shelter” says participant Kristy Hazelton. Most participants were in the same position as Kristy; others were more fortunate and able to overcome the obstacles encountered.

After the simulation the participants discussed their experience. The overall consensus was that the objective of the event was reached; participants could better understand the hardships and realities of living in poverty. Several participants added that the simulation gave them ideas of how to change their approach when working with persons who live in poverty.

Wyoming Tribune Eagle Article
Wyoming Public Radio Audio
For the full Wyoming Public Radio Audio show, click here.

May 2010

Community Action Month

• Annual Recognition Banquet - Community Action Month will once again start off with a celebration of employees, board members and invited guests at the Annual Recognition Banquet. The themed banquet, Stars of Excellence, will be held at Triumph High School on May 7. The event will recognize the success that several individuals, families and businesses have made in overcoming poverty and helping others out of hardship. Recognition will focus on personal achievement, community partner awards and service awards to staff and board members. Much like the 2009 banquet held at Terry Bison Ranch, the state of Wyoming will honor CALC by proclaiming May Community Action Month. Thank You to all contributors of last years banquet.

Click Image To Enlarge

• Community Forum – Information about event will be posted soon.

Recent Events

July 2009

• A Walk in Poverty: Could you walk in someone else's shoes? How about if those shoes are torn apart and all you have? Could you survive that walk in poverty? This July some individuals will take a walk in those shoes and experience the complexities and frustrations of living in poverty. Community Action of Laramie County will be hosting it's third Poverty Simulation on July 23 at Casper College. The simulation will consist of four 15-minute role plays and discussion that are designed to create awareness to the realities faced by low-income people.

August 2009

• Farmers Market: The 2009 Cheyenne Farmers Market was a big success! The Market brought in thirty to forty vendors weekly from southern Wyoming and northern Colorado who consistently filled the Depot Plaza with patrons. Shoppers browsed and impressive selection of produce, in addition to patronizing stands selling cheeses, honey, jams, artisan breads, salsa, beef and plants. Many thanks to the community for making the Market a popular and exciting weekly event. We look forward to seeing you in August 2010!
  
  

  • The Market is located at the Historic Depot Plaza, 15th & Capitol Ave.
    For further information contact CALC at 635-9291 or E-mail AskUs@calc.net

  
  

October 2009

• Head Start Month: Head Start awareness month was designed to bring together parents, teachers, students, and other community members. Head Start awareness month is a time to show appreciation for the program and the many people involved with it. During the month:
  
  

  • Children and families at Early Head Start will be participating in socialization activities.
    
    
  • Parent Network meeting including dinner, parent-child activities, parent education, and parent input into the program.
    
    
  • Fatherhood meeting will be held. We will have activities for the children and their father figures. Dinner will be served along with a special guest presentation.
    
    
  • Fall Festival where children can participate in a variety of activities. Parents are invites to attend.
    
    
  • Children will create paintings and drawings to place throughout the community including, placemats for
    various nursing homes and bookmarks to share with the Laramie County Library and Barnes and Noble.
    
    
  • Special day for moms and mother figures to come to eat with the children at school.
    
    
  • Community members will be invited into the classrooms to read stories to the children
    

February 2010

• Resource Fair – Opening the door to learn more! CALC is offering any one in the community the opportunity to learn about the many resources in Laramie County. On Friday, February 12, at the Laramie County Library in the Cottonwood and Willow room, from 10 A.M.-4 P.M. Come join others and gather information from over twenty agencies serving the community. The fair will also allow for discussion about poverty issues with the agencies that are designed to help the community overcome obstacles.
  Resource Fair Poster