OUR TEAM
Alan Vazqueztell
Founder, Director of Daily Operations
Alan Vazqueztell first became acquainted with foster care when living in South Florida. He became a licensed foster parent in 2016 and has fostered many kiddos over the years. He is very passionate about working with foster families and children who have encountered hard life situations. Alan joined the board of directors in 2017 and you can often find him at one of our locations.
Alan is the owner and operator of Cowboy Car Rentals and IVAZ Distributors. When not working or volunteering, Alan enjoys being outdoors and spending time with his wife, kids, and animals.
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![John jacobs — Laramie, WY — Laramie Foster Closet]()
City skyline
Photo By: John DoeButton
John Jacobs, LNP
Board Member
John Jacobs FNP received Family Nurse Practitioner degree from Wright State University. He is passionate about working internationally with medically underserved populations. John joined the board of directors in 2020 and has a heart for working with disadvantaged children in our community.
John is the owner of Grand Ave. Urgent Care and is a dedicated medical professional. When he is not working, he enjoys adventure sports like skiing, dirt biking, and kite surfing. Always up for working on interesting projects, he enjoys building off-road trucks and custom furniture.
Brian Welper
Board Member
Brian is passionate about children and families in our community. He joined the board of directors in 2023 and has a huge heart for hurting children in Laramie.
Brian is the Business Director at Tough Guys Lawn Care and an alumni of the University of Wyoming. He enjoys spending time outdoors and with his family.
Jenni Vazqueztell, PCSW, MSW, CCTP
Founder, Director of Administration
Jenni has been with the foster closets since 2016, when she planned the opening of the shipping container with Alan. She has served in several capacities including volunteer, director, speaker, driver, fundraiser, grant writer, board member, and foster parent.
Prior to Laramie Foster Closet, Jenni earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Palm Beach Atlantic University. Through the years, Jenni has become more passionate about mental health, trauma, and marginalization. Jenni recently graduated from University of Denver's Graduate School of Social Work with her Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) and is a professional social worker and therapist at Overcomer Counseling, LLC. in Laramie, WY. Jenni and her husband serve as foster parents. Jenni is married to Alan. They love camping, hiking, fishing, and animals.
Natalia Oceanak
Board Member
Natalia Oceanak is passionate about childhood development and creative abilities as a cornerstone of learning. She joined the board of directors in 2023 and has a huge heart for children in our community.
Natalia is the owner of Abundance Creative Arts, a daycare located in the Laramie Plains Civic Center. She is also an alumni of the University of Wyoming. When she is not working, Natalia enjoys spending time with her family and in nature.
EVERY WY KID IS MY KID
Our Mission
The mission of Southeast Wyoming Foster Closets is to work alongside out partners and community to prevent bullying, provide financial alleviation, and increase school attendance and graduation rates in southeast Wyoming.
Our Vision
We strive to encourage and support children and youth from hard places and foster families. Each foster closet location is equipped with items that are basic necessities to enrich lives, restore dignity, and create a positive environment for healing and foster hope for the future.
Our Services
- We work with the Department of Family Services, the ACSD1 School District, doctor offices, preschools, and daycares to meet the needs of children experiencing poverty, neglect, and abuse. We do not require proof of income to access our services, but we do require a phone call from one of our service partners.
- Any parent of a child in the community that does not have the resources needed is encouraged to reach out to any of our service partners to receive services.
- Together with our community and partners, we provide 10 days of clothing, pajamas, new socks, new underwear, winter wear, new shoes, new duffle bags, and more to children in need.
Our Goal
We are dedicated to ending childhood poverty, abuse, and neglect.
Many children in southeast Wyoming do not have access to quality, basic necessities such as undergarments, clothing, shoes, and winter wear and we are dedicated to changing that.
Why Foster Closets?
Because every child is worthy of dignity, belonging, and hope for the future.
Highlights of Laramie, Cheyenne, and Cody's Foster Closets Unique Programs:
- The only foster closets in southeast Wyoming that provide services free of charge to local children placed in foster care.
- Research shows that providing for basic necessities of children improves chances for healing and recovery from trauma and provides increased graduation rates, decreased bullying, better self-esteem, and better mental health and wellness.
Our Foster Closets Provide
Dignity. Stability. Hope.
because we know that changing the future for Albany and Laramie County kids begins with simple steps to provide for their well-being with basic necessities like new shoes, new underwear, new socks, winter wear, a new duffle bag, comfort items, and more.
Make a Difference. Start Volunteering.
There are many ways to help us continue to meet our communities needs.
By volunteering your time, joining our staff, or making a simple clothing or monetary donation, you are providing the most essential resources to our community.
- Do good for others and the community
- Volunteering increases self-confidence
- Make a difference in the lives of others
- Feel valued and part of a team
Interested? Get started here.
HOW CAN I CONTACT SOUTHEAST WYOMING FOSTER CLOSETS?
Give Us a Call
561-729-2945
Stop in to See Us
710 E. Garfield Street, Suites 344 &346
Laramie, WY 82070
Email Us
info@southeastwyomingfosterclosets.com
Cheyenne Foster Closet Hours:
Laramie Foster Closet Hours:
Cody's Closet Hours:
Client Service Hours: 24/7
Thank you
so much to all our Donors!
