Wyoming “Step Up for Kids” Week
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October 5, 2009
STATEWIDE - It's all about kids this week in Wyoming, and some of the statistics concerning children in Wyoming are grim. More than 11,000 youngsters lack health insurance, a quarter do not graduate from high school, and child care options are scarce in many areas.
These are some of the facts being presented in Wyoming during "Step Up for Kids Week," a national campaign designed to show public support for children as an investment priority. Deanna Frey, executive director of the Wyoming Children's Action Alliance, has good news to share, too: The state has not ignored the challenges children face.
"Wyoming has done a really great job in many ways of addressing those issues, but we can't stop because there are some solutions - we have to continue making the investment."
Events around the state, including one today in Rawlins, will showcase children's accomplishments as well as offer resources for parents. Although family support programs are numerous, Frey says they currently do not have the resources to serve every child or family who needs assistance.
"We have Boys and Girls Clubs statewide and outstanding early care and education programs; we have a huge host of grandparents who are raising their grandkids and are getting assistance from programs like Wyoming Kinship Advocacy."
The Rawlins event is scheduled for 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Jeffrey Center. Events will be held Tuesday through Thursday in Rock Springs, Casper, Riverton, Wheatland, Cody, Evanston and Laramie.