For nearly 28 years, CLIMB Wyoming has provided low-income single mothers training and placement in careers that successfully support their families. Recently Governor Matt Mead and the Wyoming Department of Family Services recognized CLIMB’s commitment to and impact on families in poverty in Wyoming with the Friends of DFS award.

The award is given rarely – this is the third time it has been awarded to a Wyoming organization in recognition of outstanding work

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Jillian Balow, Department of Family Services (right), Dr. Ray Fleming Dinneen, CLIMB Wyoming (center) and Governor Matt Mead celebrate the statewide impact of CLIMB Wyoming’s program for single mother families in poverty.

in helping Wyoming’s families in need. Past recipients include Ronn Jeffrey and Youth Alternatives, and The Boys and Girls Club of Wyoming.

“The CLIMB program is about more than just a paycheck,” said Governor Mead. “It provides single mothers the opportunity to learn both personal and work skills, which leads to the opportunity to experience the pride and self-worth that comes with being self-sufficient.”

The need for the CLIMB Wyoming program remains great with 43% of Wyoming’s single mothers and their children living in poverty in 2012, and nearly 30% of working mothers with children under three working in low wage jobs in Wyoming (National Women’s Law Center).

“For years, CLIMB has been one of DFS’ most valuable partners in helping families move from public assistance to self sufficiency. CLIMB works for the women and children it serves, and it works for us,” said Steve Corsi, Director of the Wyoming Department of Family Services.

Since 1986, CLIMB has served over 1,700 single mothers and over 3,500 of their children. On average, CLIMB graduates more than double their income, and 76% are employed two years after completing the CLIMB program. CLIMB graduates also significantly decrease their dependence on public healthcare and food stamps.

“We are grateful for the partnership of Governor Mead and the Wyoming Department of Family Services, their support enables us to serve some of Wyoming’s most vulnerable families,” said CLIMB Wyoming executive director and founder Dr. Ray Fleming Dinneen. “It is such an honor for CLIMB to be recognized with this award.”

About CLIMB Wyoming
Founded in 1986, CLIMB Wyoming is a statewide nonprofit organization that trains and places low income single mothers in careers that support their families. The comprehensive CLIMB program model includes partnerships with local employers to develop effective trainings, and researching workplace trends to create future opportunities. Program participants are supported through job training and placement as well as counseling and life skills. CLIMB graduates consistently double their monthly income and decrease their reliance on public assistance programs. As a result, CLIMB Wyoming was recognized in 2012 as one of the nation’s top ten organizations that move families out of poverty. To date, the program has helped more than 1,700 Wyoming families reach self-sufficiency, the effects of which will be felt for generations to come. For more information visit www.climbwyoming.org.

About The Wyoming Department of Family Services
The Department of Family Services promotes the safety, well-being and self-sufficiency of families through community partnerships. Local DFS offices can help qualifying families with supplemental nutrition assistance (SNAP), child support enforcement, Medicaid, child care assistance and other needed services in their communities. Our goal is to connect people with time-limited resources that promote healthy, safe, self-sufficient families so they can contribute to their communities.