• Leadership experience
• Experience promoting concepts and persuading action in a professional environment
• Proven negotiation skills
• A track record of demonstrating fortitude and creative problem solving
• A professional presentation and appearance
• Experience building partnerships and maintaining relationships with business and community partners
• An innate curiosity and eagerness to learn
• The ability to listen without judgment
• Proven experience self initiating and problem solving
• High emotional intelligence and self awareness
• Some insight to our population or a similar demographic
• Planning and organizational skills

Job Duties will include:

• Providing organizational leadership for a team of 3, including an assistant and certified mental health provider
• Leading the program’s research and planning efforts to identify local workforce needs
• Educating and persuading local business to provide employment opportunities for participants
• Negotiating compromise and short term goal setting for employers and participants
• Building effective and meaningful relationships with participants, donors, business and community partners
• Presenting the CLIMB program to community members in a wide variety of circumstances
• Oversight of all programming details
• Oversight of budget and expenditures
• Ensuring all staff members maintain a therapeutically supportive relationship with participants
• Effectively connecting the local CLIMB program to the statewide organization that includes a network of 5 additional sites located across the state and a business office located in Cheyenne, WY

Minimum qualifications for this position include a bachelor’s degree and three years of experience.  Salary range for this position is $50,000 — $56,500, depending on experience, and includes excellent benefits.
To apply for this position, please send your cover letter and resume via email to Jacqi Rabago, at jacqi@climbwyoming.org.  Application screening for this position will begin immediately and the position will close on May 10, 2013.
For additional information, please contact Beth Ward, CLIMB Statewide Director of Programs, at 307–742-9346 ext. 12.

The Teton Area CLIMB program staff are customizing the CLIMB program model to ensure that it supports the particular challenges that single mothers face in Jackson and the surrounding communities.

“Since 2004, the Teton Area CLIMB program has been serving single mothers in Teton, Sublette and Lincoln counties,” said Sarah Brino, Teton Area CLIMB Program Director.  “Through our own observations and discussions with our collaborating partners we know we can reach more women if we are even more flexible with our program.”

As a result, CLIMB is piloting a new rolling admission process and CLIMB program staff will travel regularly to Afton to support more single mothers on their path to self-sufficiency.

The Teton Area CLIMB site has historically been a place for the statewide CLIMB Wyoming organization to test new innovations.  It was the first to broaden the geographic and age base for single mothers served through the CLIMB program, and launched an innovative collaboration with Curran-Seeley to extend the CLIMB program to single mothers in treatment.

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.  CLIMB’s comprehensive model includes partnering with local employers to develop effective training and researching workplace trends to create future opportunities.  Program participants are supported through job training and employment 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 toward self-sufficiency.  At CLIMB, success isn’t just about getting a job — it’s about financial independence for struggling mothers and changing the generational cycle of poverty one family at a time.

CLIMB Wyoming founder and Executive Director Ray Fleming Dinneen, left, and board member Caren Murray, right, accept the 2012 Summit Award from Carma Corra of the Wyoming Council for Women’s Issues.

CLIMB Wyoming is honored to be the 2012 recipient of the Wyoming Council for Women’s Issues Summit Award.  This annual award recognizes Wyoming businesses that prioritize programs or policies that strengthen or support their workforce.  CLIMB was particularly recognized for their workplace flexibility, allowing employees to minimize the stress of balancing work and family obligations and increase productivity through flexible hours and scheduling.

“We are so thrilled and honored to be selected as this year’s recipient of the Wyoming Council for Women’s Issues Summit Award,” said Executive Director Ray Fleming Dineen.  “Although we have received national recognition for our programs that serve single mothers, it’s particularly meaningful to us to be recognized for the internal culture that supports our success.  CLIMB programming requires flexibility to allow us to best serve the moms that we work with and we work hard to create an environment that enables our employees to have balance in their lives.”

CLIMB employees that were asked to share their stories reinforced a consistent theme: the exceptional support they received from CLIMB as various life experiences made a traditional work environment and schedule challenging:

“Last year I had 2 massively ruptured disks in my lower back, preventing me from walking and working.  My recovery required being creative when it came to figuring out a way to work with this injury. Sitting all day was not going to be an option long-term.  CLIMB not only let me get creative about how to complete my job during the recovery, but fully supported adjustments at work to maintain my recovery.”

“CLIMB is one of the most flexible work environments I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing.  I am given the freedom to attend school plays and watch soccer games that I would otherwise miss by being a working mom.  As a result of this flexibility, I find my productivity is higher by working more on my schedule, not because I have to do so, but because I want to do so.”

“When I had my first daughter, I really didn’t think I could come back to work full time. My supervisor was so supportive in helping me navigate how to be a full-time working Mom. I was able to work from home, and I also brought my babies with me to work during the first few months of their lives.”

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.  CLIMB’s unique and comprehensive model includes partnering with local employers to develop effective training and researching workplace trends to create future opportunities.  Program participants are supported through job training and employment 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 toward self-sufficiency.  At CLIMB, success isn’t just about getting a job — it’s about financial independence for struggling mothers and changing the generational cycle of poverty one family at a time.

More than 25 years ago, Dr. Ray Fleming Dinneen saw a need in Wyoming for higher paying jobs for single mothers. She created Climb Wyoming, which has recently garnered national attention. “I witnessed single mothers who were determined to make a better life for their children, but a lack of opportunities hindered their ability to see beyond the struggles they constantly faced,” Dinneen wrote on her website.

Over the years, Dinneen and her team found the program model that worked best. A combination of job training and placement in addition to mental health services, life skills training and parenting skills training has been found to best serve the program participants.  To date, the program has helped approximately 1,300 families reach self-sufficiency.

In 2004, Climb Wyoming opened an office in Casper. Since opening, 270 women have graduated the Casper program. Beginning in 2011, the office began running dual programs.  “We graduate five programs a year. At least 50 women and their families are being helped each year,” said program director Leah Janssen-Governanti.

Before the program, 46 percent of participants were on food stamps; 24 months after the program, 28 percent are on food stamps. Monthly average income before the program is$1,021. After the program, monthly average income is $2,489.

The programs are based on in-depth research about what jobs are in demand. “The cool thing about Climb is it’s research-driven and so intentional. We look at what the workforce needs are and create a program around that.” Previous programs have included job skills from office careers to welding, optical assistant to truck driving.

Each program has five phases. Phase one is program research and planning, the creation of the job skills training the mothers will receive. Phase two begins participant recruitment.  Each candidate is interviewed and a group of 10–12 participants are selected. “The last training we held, we had 71 moms show up for the general information meeting. From those we did 56 interviews, each interview lasting up to three hours. There were only 10 slots open,” Jannssen-Governanti said.

Phase three lasts from 12–16 weeks and consists of job skills training as well as individual and group counseling. “The training isn’t industry specific; they also receive life-skills training, parenting, communications, one-on-one counseling and group counseling.” During the last eight weeks, the participants are matched with an employer for eight weeks of on the-job training.

This model of program has gained national attention from such organizations as the New York Times, Oprah’s O magazine, the State of Wyoming and most recently, the federal government. Climb Wyoming was recognized as one of the top 10 innovative and high performing organizations that helps to move low-income families out of poverty.

“It’s not about having the exposure, but having that exposure shows that it’s a real impact that we’re having,” Jannssen-Governanti said.

“You can see it when you watch a woman, being treated as a disposable, replaceable employee, become someone who realizes they have value and confidence. They had it all along, it was just so deep they didn’t know where to find it.”

Donelle Beard is a single mother of three children. The day she got the call and learned she was accepted into the Climb Wyoming program was among the happiest of her life. “That phone rang and Leah [Janssen-Governanti] said ‘Congrats, you’re in.’ I told her,‘Don’t play with me, I can’t handle it.’ I was so excited I almost swerved off the road.”

When she applied, and was told that of 71women, there was room for only 10, Beard said she was thinking her chances were slim. She has an associate’s degree, and she didn’t know if that would help or hinder her chances. “All the women were talking to each other, and trying to figure out who was going to make it. I really didn’t think I would.”

She knew that the program would make a significant difference for her family. In order to be present for all of the trainings, she had to cut back hours at her job. “I was willing to adjust and go the extra mile because I knew that in the long run it would benefit us so much.” The person who was watching Beard’s children had to leave town to take care of family out of state.  Beard was left without anyone to watch her children. “My family came through for me, they were able to help me finish the program.” Then, she lost her job.

“I just knew if I kept my head up, even at the lowest point I had to just keep trying. You have to go for that goal and not let anything in the universe stop you.”

Beard said that even with her degree in early childhood development she was unable to find career-based employment. “I would always apply for promotions, or higher jobs and get turned down. I felt like I was undeserving of a good job,” Beard said.

During the Climb program, the participants are assigned mentors. “I never would’ve picked them out of a room full of people, but they’ve been amazing to me. They told me to keep my head held high and keep going, they would help me find a good job.”

As part of the office skills program, Beard was placed into Sandy Widmer’s Farmer’s Insurance Company. “I’m a customer service representative, so I do quotes on home and auto insurance, help people do claims on vehicles. Basically if there’s a question, I find the answer.” And she has her own desk. When she took her kids in to see where she works, 10-year-old RaeShaun said, “Wow, mom, are we going to be rich now?” She replied, “No, not rich but we can keep praying for that.” She’s working on the certifications to become an insurance agent, which will mean another income increase for her family.

“This job is like paradise compared to other jobs I’ve had,” Beard said. There was one time in between daycares that she couldn’t find a babysitter for two days. She called Widmer to tell her she would have to miss two days. Widmer told her, “It’s just a couple of days and things happen, just bring them in with you.” Beard said that she just sat back in disbelief, she was worried about losing her job and her new boss just told her to bring the kids in. “It’s really a whole different kind of life,” she said. “I just couldn’t believe that I could find another person like me, finding somewhere that it’s not just a job and I’m still able to be a human.”

Beard graduated the program in July and said that even though it’s been a short time, she can already tell the difference in her family. “It [Climb] gave me the financial background that I needed, it gave me confidence in myself, knowing that I’m capable of working out my problems. It gave me the financial stability for my family, and changed my outlook on myself.”

Beard looks forward to the day when she can take her kids to do more as a family. “I budget my butt off, and there’s no money to go to the swimming pool, or to the movies. As a mother, I want to take my kids places but I never get a chance to do that because I’ve always been struggling. I want to be able to do stuff with my kids without worrying about money. This job I believe will let me do that.”

Beard remembers what it was like to be sitting there, hoping to get into the program and she hopes that the people who didn’t make it into this program don’t give up. “Give it a shot. It doesn’t hurt to try and if you don’t make it in the first time keep trying until you make it in. This wasn’t the first time I applied either. Keep trying.”

The Two Fly Foundation hosts an annual fly fishing tournament and donates the proceeds to selected Wyoming charities.

““It was such an honor to be chosen by the Two Fly Foundation,” Ray Fleming Dinneen, executive director of CLIMB Wyoming, said. “We are extremely grateful to be recognized as an organization that is making significant impacts in the Casper community. This generous donation will ensure that CLIMB can continue helping low income single mothers successfully support their families.”

The donation from the Two Fly Foundation will assist the Casper program in providing support and training for low income single mothers in the Casper area, to move their families into self sufficiency. CLIMB Wyoming provides support in the areas of job skills training, parenting, counseling, life skills and new employment in viable industries. Graduates of the program work in fields based on Wyoming’s workforce needs, such as office administration, health care, welding and short haul trucking.

“We appreciate the contribution from the Two Fly Foundation, as well as their belief in our mission,” said Lesha Thorvaldson, Casper CLIMB Wyoming program director. “This support means that lives of the women we serve and their families can continue to be changed.”

For more information about CLIMB Wyoming in Casper, call 237‑2855.

CLIMB Wyoming was honored with the award at a banquet in Cheyenneon June 14.  The “Nonprofit Impact Award” was created in 2010 by ServeWyoming, a statewide nonprofit that promotes service and volunteerism, to honor Wyoming nonprofits that have a lasting impact within the state.  This year, ServeWyoming chose to focus on those who are successful at creating, maintaining and demonstrating measurable outcomes.

“CLIMB Wyoming truly embodies the strategy of utilizing outcomes in all areas of their operations and programming,” says ServeWyoming’s Executive DirectorRachel Chadderdon.  “Their program achieves results and life-changing stories of success that demonstrate meaningful, lasting impact on the participants within their program and in our state.”

CLIMB Wyoming trains and places low-income single mothers in careers that successfully support their families. The organization operates sites in Cheyenne, Laramie, Rock Springs, Casper, Jackson and Gillette that reach out to women across 12 counties. The program has served more than 1,500 women, training and placing graduates in fields based on Wyoming’s workforce needs, ranging from office administration and health care to welding and short haul trucking.

“CLIMB Wyoming has the opportunity everyday to see the impact that training and support can have on the lives of single moms and their families,” says Dr. Ray Fleming Dinneen, CLIMB Wyoming’s Executive Director. “It is gratifying that ServeWyoming recognizes the visible impact our evidenced-based approach makes for families in Wyoming.”

For more information about CLIMB Wyoming, visit www.climbwyoming.org or call 307–778‑4126.

To learn more about ServeWyoming, visit www.servewyoming.org or call 866–737-8304.

The honor came from the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Family Assistance and the Promising Pathways Initiative. They named CLIMB Wyoming as one of the nation’s ten best programs helping to move people out of poverty.

CLIMB was identified for its innovative approach as a high-performing organization in this field. This national recognition is a result of CLIMB’s remarkable and consistent outcomes, evidence-based model design, sophisticated data collection and ability to utilize data to drive and improve program decisions.

Since 1986, CLIMB Wyoming has trained and placed low-income single mothers in careers that successfully support their families. The organization, founded in Cheyenne by Ray Fleming Dinneen, has helped more than 1,300 families across the state into long-term economic security and self-sufficiency.

Hundreds of organizations, including government agencies and non-profit organizations, were considered for the distinction. The surprise selection came to light late last year, and CLIMB Wyoming was the only agency in the entire Rocky Mountain region represented.

Representatives from CLIMB Wyoming attended a conference in Washington, D.C., this month to celebrate the honor and to share information about the organization with experts across the country. Though the conference acknowledged the efforts of all ten organizations, CLIMB Wyoming was highlighted multiple times during the event, including panel discussions and presentations about its work with returns on investment, employment support programs, and reflective thinking as a component to success.

CLIMB was recognized throughout the event as a leader in its field, especially for its unique mental health model and use of licensed mental health providers to help participants, ideas that garnered national respect and interest.

The honor attracted the welcome attention of Wyoming’s congressional delegation. Diana Enzi, wife of Wyoming’s Senior Senator Mike Enzi, was a featured guest at the recognition reception. Additionally, Senators Enzi and John Barrasso set aside time to meet with CLIMB Wyoming leaders during that week to celebrate CLIMB’s efforts and thank the team for helping to improve the lives of Wyoming families.

Even receiving accolades at the national level, the staff of CLIMB Wyoming knows that connections on a statewide level are just as crucial to the program’s success, including strong partnerships with the Department of Family Services (DFS) and the Department of Workforce Services.

In appreciation of that vital support, CLIMB invited a local DFS representative to also attend the conference and share that department’s knowledge of creating a successful collaborative relationship with a non-profit organization.

“CLIMB is a model of excellence in helping clients acquire skills for self-sufficiency. In addition to trade skills, it improves the life skills needed to manage new families with children,” DFS Director Steve Corsi said.

Corrine Livers, TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) Program Consultant was equally enthusiastic about CLIMB’s efforts and the impact the organization’s work is having. “CLIMB Wyoming has been one of the TANF program’s leading success stories, not just in Wyoming but nationally as well,” she said.

At this point, the Promising Pathways Initiative will take information gleaned from the conference to begin building a best practice foundation which will be used to guide other programs on how to improve services to low-income families.

For more information about CLIMB Wyoming, visit climbwyoming.org or call 307.778.4126.

About CLIMB Wyoming
Since 1986, CLIMB Wyoming (a non-profit organization) has trained and placed low-income single mothers in careers that successfully support their families. CLIMB’s unique and comprehensive job training model has helped more than 1,300 women enter higher paying careers. Graduates consistently double or even triple their monthly wage income. CLIMB programs in Casper, Cheyenne, Laramie, Gillette, the Teton Area, and the Sweetwater Area reach out to serve families in 12 counties. For more information, visit www.climbwyoming.org.