INTRO 


Q: Building partnerships is an important part of Wyoming Guardianship Corporation’s mission to improve quality of life for people in need in Wyoming’s communities. What types of partnerships is Wyoming Guardianship Corporation currently seeking, and what types of partnerships with your organization have had significant impact across the state?

A: Since its inception in 1997, Wyoming Guardianship Corporation (WGC) has relied on building partnerships and working relationships with agencies from the community, county, and State level in order to meet the needs of the clients we serve in all our programs that span across life and financial management services. Most recently, WGC has contracted with the Wyoming Department of Health, Behavioral Health Division to provide care management services that assist clients with complex conditions to manage their lives.  WGC’s Care Managers conduct a comprehensive assessment, so they can evaluate what services an individual needs to be successful. The Care Management Team then follows up the assessment by connecting the client with the necessary services s/he needs to improve his/her quality of life.   In short, our Care Management Program is like project management, for people.  This program serves the entire state of Wyoming, and services are free of charge for qualifying individuals.  WGC is always looking to fill service gaps that exist for vulnerable populations in our State, so we are open to thinking outside the box and coming up with creative solutions through partnerships with other willing agencies also seeking to improve the quality of life for Wyoming citizens. 

Q: Throughout the health and human service field, it is critical that services are considered “Person-Centered,” yet frequently individuals receiving guardianship services receive them in order to ensure that decisions are made in the best interests of their own health and well-being – rather than their own potentially less-than-healthy impulses. How does a guardian balance the person-centered ideal when the individual receiving services would rather, say, buy lotto tickets rather than groceries? 

A: Great question!  WGC is a member of the National Guardianship Association (NGA), and all the administration staff overseeing WGC’s Guardianship Program, including myself, are Nationally Certified Guardians.  As part of the NGA, we follow their Standards of Practice and Ethical Principles.  These standards and principles help guide us through these types of difficult situations, but the bottom line is that even if an individual has a guardian, s/he still has freewill and can make choices that we as guardians do not necessarily support.

Q: What types of social security benefit management assistance do individuals seek from Wyoming Guardianship Corporation? 

A:  WGC is certified by the Social Security Administration as an organizational Representative Payee and can manage all types of Social Security benefits including SSA, SSI and SSDI.  We serve adults and children.  When WGC becomes a Representative Payee for someone, the individual’s monthly benefit then comes to WGC, and WGC uses their benefit to pay all their bills. 

Q: Regular audits from the Social Security Administration – audits in general - sound daunting, but I assume are par for the course when it comes to the importance of financial transparency and the assurance of quality service delivery in guardianship. Can you describe why regular audits are a positive thing for Wyoming Guardianship Corporation rather than a red flag that might trigger the concern of a potential client? 

A:  Audits provide a credibility to services provided.  They assure stakeholders and give them confidence that the services being provided are true and fair.

Q: Wyoming Guardianship Corporation’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Ombudsman program helps individuals access available resources, in addition to other services, as a form of wraparound service provision. We at Wyoming 211 are actively engaged in helping connect individuals to information and resources as well, and our two organizations have had opportunities to share and assist each other. What needs are you seeing in Wyoming’s communities that are currently unmet due to absence of available services, and what barriers to service provision have you encountered? 

A:  Unfortunately, Wyoming has cut their Behavioral Health funding to the point that community mental health centers across the State are not able to meet the mental health needs of our citizens.  Without appropriate mental health treatment and support, individuals are going into crisis and need to be placed under emergency detention, and in some cases, involuntary hospitalization.  However, the Wyoming State Hospital has an extensive waiting list, so individuals are waiting many months in hospitals and jails until they are admitted.  Furthermore, individuals with co-occurring disorders, (i.e., severe mental illness and a developmental or intellectual disability), are not being detained and subsequently not getting the mental health services they need.  Additionally, Wyoming is experiencing a huge housing crisis, particularly for low income individuals and families.  This dire situation is compounded by the lack of homeless shelters across the State, and Wyoming winters increase the risk for those trying to live in the elements.  These situations not only put people in physical harm but also in mental health crisis, which is getting harder to address due to the lack of behavioral health funding.  Then we come full-circle!

Q: What can you tell me about the early days of Wyoming Guardianship Corporation, recognizing a need and forming the organization from the ground up? 

A: WGC was founded in 1997 when the Wyoming Legislature’s special legislative funding for guardianship was sunsetted.  WGC’s founder realized there was an unmet need for guardianship and fiduciary services in Wyoming, so she left her employment in State government to start WGC.  In the early days of WGC, there were only a couple employees and two programs (i.e., Guardianship and Representative Payee), and they worked out of our founder’s house.  Twenty-five years later, WGC has 20 employees, who are located all over the state of Wyoming, and we provide five different tracks of either life or financial management programming. 

Q: What is the most important thing that you would want people to know about guardianship, and how can the rest of us be more supportive of individuals and families in need of guardianship, conservatorship and the other services provided by Wyoming Guardianship Corporation? 

A: I think it is important to know that guardianship and conservatorship are a legal process that is overseen by the Court.  WGC has to follow the Title 3 Wyoming Statute, which outlines this legal process, and it is up to the Courts to determine if someone should be appointed a guardian and/or conservator.  The State of Wyoming does not have a public guardianship program, and due to lack of State funding for guardianship services, there are vulnerable adults in our State that are not receiving these services that they greatly need to keep them healthy and safe. 

Q: Could you share a recent success story? 

A:  WGC started providing care management services for an individual this past summer.  It was extremely difficult to find low income housing options, so the individual was homeless until Oct. when his Care Manager was finally able to secure affordable housing.  The Care Manager secured donations, such as a bed, TV, dresser, vacuum, bedding, towels, and other kitchen and household items, for the client.  The Care Manager also got SNAP (i.e., food stamps) benefits in place through the Department of Family Services.  WGC has applied to Social Security to become the representative payee in order to manage the individual’s Social Security benefits.  Additionally, the Care Manager has worked through the process of applying for both the Comprehensive Medicaid Waiver, which required a psychological evaluation to be conducted to determine if the individual has a developmental or intellectual disability in order to qualify, and the Community Choices Waiver due to the client’s severe mental health diagnosis.

You can contact Wyoming Guardianship Corporation at:
Phone: (307) 635-8422
Web: http://www.wyoguardianship.org/

Wyoming Guardianship Corporation,
doing great things for the Cowboy State.

Wyoming 211 is pleased to have Wyoming Guardianship Corporation as a resource in our database. Callers to 211 with questions, concerns, or needs related to guardianship and related services will receive referral information to Wyoming Guardianship Corporation in addition to other organizations established to address any related or additional needs.

Special thank you to Jessi Westling with Wyoming Guardianship Corporation for her assistance with this article.

Did you enjoy this article? Let us know and your comments might appear in next month's issue!

INFORMATION

Does your organization have some EXCITING NEWS to share? A significant accomplishment? We'd sure love to spread the word about the good work you're doing. Just send us an EMAIL! Climb Wyoming is offering an informative meeting about Commercial Driving (CDL) training available to single mothers. Tuesday, January 3, 2023, 12-1 p.m. or 5:30-6:30 p.m. Climb Wyoming 123 East 17th Street, Cheyenne LINK


The YES House Foundation (Youth Emergency Services) is looking for Secret Santas to help make Christmas extra special for children at the  YES House. Swing by the Cam-Plex in Gillette before 5pm on December 19th to become a Secret Santa! LINK

Grace for 2 Brothers is providing vouchers for 6 free Mental Health Sessions for those working in Agriculture/Rodeo/Farming communities. For more information for yourself or your provider, call (307) 256-3344. LINK

The Wyoming Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association is presenting a series focusing on Alzheimer's and Dementia at the Laramie County Library on Tuesdays from January 10 to February 14, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Attend in person (register by calling 800-272-3900 or email debianchi@alz.org) or via ZOOM (register in advance at https://bit.ly/AlzLaramieCounty).

December is National Cat Lovers' Month

Did you know that kittens can receive protection against vaccine-preventable diseases as soon as they are four weeks old? Kittens can be vaccinated against feline herpesvirus-1, feline calicivirus, feline panleukopenia virus, feline leukemia, and more. Kittens can be vaccinated against rabies beginning when they are three months old. For more information visit HERE.

  EVENTS

Does your organization have an upcoming event? Events occurring after January 15 can be featured in our next newsletter and we'd love to help spread the word. Just send us an EMAIL!

United Way of Laramie County is presenting a Cookies & Cocoa Family Night on Monday, December 19, 2023, at the West Jefferson Clubhouse! LINK

Summit Medical Center is presenting a Community Health Fair Saturday, January 7, 2023, in Casper, and Wyoming 211 will be there!

Meals on Wheels of Cheyenne is presenting a Giving Back Night at Old Chicago restaurant in Cheyenne on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, and 15% of your total meal cost will be donated to their organization!
  Did you find this month's Wyoming 211 Bulletin Board to be helpful? Let us know and your comments might appear in next month's issue!

Steve Hamaker is a member of Wyoming 211's Board of Directors, in addition to being the CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Wyoming. We recently had a chance to chat with Steve and learn more about his commitment to the people and nonprofits of Wyoming.

Q: You’ve been serving various roles with Wyoming nonprofits for over 30 years. What drives you to serve Wyoming’s communities, and how does your membership on the Wyoming 211 board of directors fit into your personal vision of community service?

A: Wyoming people are resourceful and like to take care of ourselves and our neighbors.  Citizens take pride in creatively solving our own challenges; part of that is simply knowing who to call or where to look when solving a challenge.  The strength of our rural lifestyle is strong connections and relationships to support one another while carefully maintaining independence and respect for one another.   Wyoming 211’s mission doesn’t depend on people having to feel helpless or in crisis to seek ideas, connections, and resources, nor does it depend on social relationships to access the strong network of information.  Efficiently connecting people to resources is no different than helping out a friend or neighbor or introducing them to an acquaintance who may be able to help.  The Wyoming 211 model strengthens and reinforces our one big statewide neighborhood! 

Q: During your time with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Wyoming, you’ve seen the organization grow and expand services geographically. Do you see any similarities between Big Brothers Big Sisters of Wyoming when it was on the cusp of expanding and where Wyoming 211 is now?

A: Absolutely!  Wyoming 211 is primed and already expanding impacts and outcomes.  The leadership and infrastructure is in place for carefully managed, sustainable growth and I’m excited for all the opportunities ahead!

Q: In what ways have you witnessed the intertwining threads of social determinants of health effect the success of youth in preventative and intervention programs? 

A: Just as social determinants of health are unique for every youth and each individual circumstance,  it’s rare that any single program, service, or provider is responsible for the overall outcomes and successes of youth.    I’ve witnessed instances where poor communication, egos, and isolated services have done more harm than good, but more often I observe incredible outcomes and tremendous results because entire communities have coordinated and worked together toward common goals.

Q: In addition to the importance of local programs and resources, you have spoken frequently about the holistic approach of mentoring throughout the continuum of care for youth. Wyoming 211 is currently working to build a closed-loop referral program that would establish greater communication between agencies as they serve individuals and families through a similar continuum of care. How might your experience with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Wyoming be beneficial to Wyoming 211 as they confront the challenge of building the needed infrastructure for such a program?

A: I think the key is the acknowledgment that it’s just one more tool in the toolbox available to everyone doing the work!  In order to ensure those tools make a difference and don’t simply end up gathering dust, we’ll need to ensure the voices and feedback of the partners and beneficiaries are loud and clear and be ready to adapt as needs change.    There will continue to be gaps and needs that can’t be immediately addressed, but the coordination of data and communication will help communities better identify those gaps and create long-term solutions, all while reducing barriers for the beneficiaries.

Q: How would you describe the importance of access to the kinds of information and resources that Wyoming 211 provides to the success rates of preventing youth from becoming delinquent, using alcohol, tobacco or drugs, or dropping out of school?

A: The path to adulthood presents youth with a lot of dangers, risks, and challenges over time.   Providing referrals and information is comparable to providing them with maps and guidance away from the dangers, highlighting the safest routes, locating tools and resources, and redirecting those that are temporarily lost back toward the best route.  Providing those maps in the form of information and caring role models ultimately results in strong, healthy adults.  

Q: What is the funniest thing that has happened during a Board meeting?

A: I’m still waiting for the moment that will give me an answer to this question.  The entire 211 board and staff are the kindest, most professional group of people I know and while there are been plenty of smiles and laughter every time we meet, I can’t think of specific funny memory that stands out.  I’m fairly certain that when it happens it will involve animals and remote technology!

Q: Do you have a quote that has inspired you throughout your career?

A: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead

Q: Who is your favorite Beatle?

A: Ringo! In almost any group, I’m a diehard fan of the drummers.  They’re usually tucked away at the back of the stage, yet responsible for keeping the entire band on the beat and working together.  They speed things up or slow things down, setting the pace for the entire show.  Most of them look like they’re having a blast even though they’re working hard.

Thank you, Steve, for taking time to visit with us! All of us at Wyoming 211 are extremely grateful to have Steve on our team!

This Month the Wyoming 211 team shares their ALL-TIME favorite CHRISTMAS movies and offers Season's Greetings to YOU! Thank you for reading and sharing our newsletter!

Sabrina's favorite Christmas movie is The Polar Express.

"Wishing our readers a merry and bright holiday and a happy new year to come." - Jane, whose favorite Christmas movie is How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Jim Carrey).