Laramie Foster Closet started in a cargo container in the parking lot of First Christian Church in 2016. The first year, we served 36 children. In 2018, LFC served 79 children and moved into the Laramie Plains Civic Center. In 2019, we served more than 300 children in foster care and expanded our services to Laramie County. Every child receives a new package of socks, a new package of underwear, a new pair of shoes, 7 days worth of clothing, outerwear, and more. In 2020, we expanded and added a location in Cheyenne, Wyoming and served over 500 children.
When children are placed in a foster home, they often arrive with only the clothes on their backs. Foster families accept these children at all hours, including the middle of the night, and attempt to provide a home to these children with their own limited resources. Financial assistance is provided but there is sometimes a delay between accepting children and receiving funds to help support them.
Our foster closets attempt to bridge this gap. We hope to act as a resource that foster families can quickly visit upon receiving a placement and get items these children need such as: clothing, shoes, carseats, and other basic needs, free of charge. Through the generous donation of these items from our local community, foster families will be able to use their own resources in other ways while the children are in their homes.
Since the pandemic began in 2020, we have seen immense needs for material items for children. As a result, we opened Cody's Closet in August of 2021 to serve all children in need in the ACSD1 school district. While it is a separate endeavor than the foster closets (which remain solely for foster parents), deliveries of the same goods to school locations attempts to bridge gaps in material needs to unemployment, high rental rates, poverty, and more.
In 2022, Laramie Foster Closet, Cheyenne Foster Closet, and Cody's Closet became separate 501(c)3 organizations that continue to be run by one board of directors and one team with one heart: to serve marginalized and underprivileged children in Cheyenne and Laramie, Wyoming.
Our foster closets are a tangible way that people in our community can share their resources with others who will be greatly impacted by them. We are committed to meeting desperate needs in our community by sharing resources and placing hope in their lives – one child and family at a time.
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!
