WYOMING HAPPENIN'S - September 2010

DISCLAIMER

JUST A SHORT NOTE TO STATE THAT THE PURPOSE OF THIS PUBLICATION IS TO PASS
PRECIOUS INFORMATION ON TO THOSE OF NEED.  OCCASIONALLY, THERE WILL BE ARTICLES
BY OTHER WRITERS.  I MAY NOT NECESSARILY AGREE WITH THEIR VIEWPOINTS, HOWEVER,
I DO RESPECT THEM.  THANK YOU

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President Obama Signs Wyoming Disaster Declaration  
Release Date: July 14, 2010
Release Number: HQ-10-135

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Wyoming and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and
local recovery efforts in the area struck by flooding during the period of June 4-18, 2010.

Federal funding is available to State and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing
basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the flooding in Fremont County and the portions
of the Wind River Indian Reservation that lie within Fremont County.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

W. Craig Fugate, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, named Steven
S. Ward as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected area.

FEMA said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the State and warranted by the results of further
damage assessments.

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Wild New Ways: Maruice Sendak's Animal Kingdom

Date: May 15, 2010 - September 19, 2010
Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: National Museum of Wildlife Art
From common pets to mythical beasts, nearly all of the 108 books illustrated by Maurice Sendak...
Read More   

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Program Description
Wyoming Medicaid is a joint Federal/state program established to pay for medical services for people with disabilities, people 65
years and older, children and their caretakers, and pregnant women who meet the program's financial requirements. The purpose
of the program is to provide reimbursement for and assure the availability of appropriate medical care to persons who meet the
criteria for Medicaid.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Wyoming, a US national, citizen, permanent
resident, or legal alien, in need of health care/insurance assistance, whose financial situation would be characterized as low
income or very low income. You must also be either pregnant, a parent or relative caretaker of a dependent child(ren) under age
19, blind, have a disability or a family member in your household with a disability, or be 65 years of age or older.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.

Program Contact Information
Please visit the Wyoming Medicaid web site for more information on the program:
http://wdh.state.wy.us/healthcarefin/equalitycare/index.html

You can call the Wyoming Office of Medicaid to learn more about this program by dialing:
307-777-7531


Managing Agency
Wyoming
http://wyoming.gov/

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Program Description
The Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS) administers the Heating Assistance or Low Income Energy Assistance Program
(LIEAP). Benefits are based on household size, household income and the type of fuel used as the primary heating source.
Payments are made directly to the fuel provider. Crisis Assistance payments are available to eligible clients who are facing an
emergency situation: A life or health threatening situation, deposit funds for a fuel hook-up or to avoid a shut-off, or a heating
system failure during winter months are considered crisis situations. LIEAP is a Federal emergency assistance block grant funded
by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

LIEAP is paid for the months of November through May. Applications are accepted beginning the first working day in October
through the last working day of February of the program year. To apply for Crisis Assistance you must FIRST complete the LIEAP
Application and then complete the additional Crisis Application.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Wyoming, you must need financial assistance for
home energy costs and your household's annual income before taxes must not exceed $22,710 if one person lives in the
household; $29,698 if two people live in the household; $36,685 if three people live in the household; $43,673 if four people live in the
household; $50,660 if five people live in the household; $57,648 if six people live in the household; $58,959 if seven people live in the
household; or $60,269 if eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $1,075 for each additional person in the
home.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply, you will need the following:

•The application,
•Proof of your household income (earned and unearned),
•A copy of your most recent utility bill,
•Photocopies of ID for every person in the household, and
•Proof you pay or get child support
Then, print the application, fill it out and send it all to:
LIEAP
2300 Capitol Ave., Third Floor Hathaway
Cheyenne, WY 82001

Or you may fax it to:
307-777-6276

If you have questions about your application, benefit amount, or payments please call 307-777-6346 or 1-800-246-4221. The
application can be downloaded at: http://dfsweb.state.wy.us/Media.aspx?mediaId=230

Program Contact Information
For more information on the Wyoming LIEAP program or to download an application, please visit our website at:
http://dfsweb.state.wy.us/Media.aspx?mediaId=229


Managing Agency
Wyoming
http://wyoming.gov/

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Program Description
Did you know that for every 5 people that are eligible for the FS program in Wyoming, only 3 are receiving benefits? The Wyoming
Food Stamp program is taking the necessary steps to reach all people that meet the 130% poverty level, by reaching out to all
potential individuals and families. The Food Stamp program, under the Department of Family Services (DFS), provides crucial
support to needy households and to those making the transition from welfare to work. Our mission is to raise the levels of nutrition
among low-income households, and provide them more nutritious foods for a better diet. The Food Stamp program follows
regulations and rules established by the Federal government and the Food Stamp Act of 1977 as the basis for the present day
program. If you think you are eligible for Food Stamps in Wyoming or if you need some help in applying, or need help managing your
food budget, we encourage you to find out more about the Food Stamp program by contacting your local DFS office. They will be
able to assist you through this process. If you want to proceed through the process, the first step is to fill out an application, or you
can also call the office and ask them to send you one. Benefits/Applications can be obtained in each of the 23 counties and are
made available to people in outlying communities and reservations. While GovBenefits.gov has the ability to pre-screen you for food
stamps at a high-level, you may also want to visit the US Department of Agriculture's pre-screening tool to check your eligibility and
determine how much in monthly assistance you may be eligible to receive.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Wyoming and fall into one of two groups: (1) those
with a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,001, or (2) those with a current bank balance (savings and
checking combined) under $3,001 who share their household with a person or persons age 60 and over, or with a person with a
disability (a child, your spouse, a parent, or yourself). For either group, you must also have an annual household income of less than
$13,284 if one person lives in the household; $17,808 if two people live in the household; $22,332 if three people live in the
household; $26,856 if four people live in the household; $31,380 if five people live in the household; $35,904 if six people live in the
household; $40,428 if seven people live in the household; or $44,952 if more than seven people live in the household.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.

Program Contact Information
For questions about the Food Stamp Program call:
800-457-3659

To download an application for benefits, click here:
http://dfsweb.state.wy.us/pdf/FoodStampDFS100.pdf

Press "0" after an answer is heard.

Visit USDA's pre-screening tool at:
http://www.snap-step1.usda.gov/fns/

Any questions that you might have as you complete this application please contact your local DFS office for assistance. The
address and phone numbers for local DFS offices are listed at
http://dfsweb.state.wy.us/districts/base2.htm

For more information about the Wyoming Food Stamp Program, visit us online at:
http://dfsweb.state.wy.us/foodstampinfo.html


Managing Agency
Wyoming
http://wyoming.gov/

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Program Description
The School Breakfast Program provides funding that makes it possible for schools to offer a nutritious breakfast to students each
day. Similarly, the goal of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is to protect the health and well-being of the nation's children
by providing nutritious school meals every day. NSLP provides funding that makes it possible for schools to offer a nutritious
school lunch. Schools receive Federal funds for each breakfast and lunch served, provided that the meal meets established
nutrition standards.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Wyoming and a parent or primary caregiver
responsible for a child(ren) who attends school (high school or under). Those who qualify must also have an annual household
income before taxes that must not exceed $26,955 if two people live in the household; $33,874 if three people live in the household;
$40,793 if four people live in the household; $47,712 if five people live in the household; $54,631 if six people live in the household,
$61,550 if seven people live in the household;$68,469 if eight people live in the household; and $75,388 if more than eight people live
in the household. For larger households, add $6,919 for each additional person in the home.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for free or reduced price meals, contact your child's school. A listing of your state's schools can be found here:
https://www.sodexhoeducation.com/segment_0200/district_7501/ENM/Entry8/

Program Contact Information
For additional information on the Wyoming School Breakfast and Lunch program, please visit the Wyoming Health, Safety, and
Transportation Division at:
http://www.k12.wy.us/hs.asp

If you have questions about the programs, please call the Wyoming Health, Safety, and Transportation Division at
307-777-6281


Managing Agency
Wyoming
http://wyoming.gov/

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Program Description
Kid Care CHIP is a Wyoming program designed to ensure that children and teens of both working and non-working families can
have the health insurance they need. Kid Care CHIP offers health insurance coverage for Wyoming's children and teens through
age 18 who are uninsured and meet income and eligibility guidelines.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of Wyoming, under 19 years of age, not covered by health
insurance (including Medicaid), a US national, citizen, legal alien, or permanent resident, or pregnant, and you must have an annual
household income before taxes of less than $29,140 if two people live in the household; $36,620 if three people live in the
household; $44,100 if four people live in the household; $51,580 if five people live in the household; $59,060 if six people live in the
household; $66,540 if seven people live in the household; $74,020 if eight people live in the household; and $81,500 if more than
eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $7,480 for each additional person in the home. Depending on your
income level, you may have to pay a premium for coverage. Please see this state's program information for details.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
If you have any questions, need an application mailed to you or need further information, please call (877) 543-7669 or email Kid
Care CHIP at kidcare@state.wy.us.

Applications can be located at:
http://health.wyo.gov/healthcarefin/chip/apply.html

Program Contact Information
To learn more about Wyoming KidCare CHIP, please visit:
http://health.wyo.gov/healthcarefin/chip/index.html


Managing Agency
Wyoming
http://wyoming.gov/

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Program Description
WIC is a Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, which serves to safeguard the health of low-
income women, infants, & children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk by providing nutritious supplemental foods, health and
nutrition, breastfeeding education and support, and referrals to health care. The WIC program of Wyoming is administered by the
Wyoming Department of Health.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Wyoming, pregnant, breastfeeding and
postpartum woman, infant or child up to 5 years of age and: (1) are individually determined by a health professional to be at
nutrition risk; and, (2) meet an income standard, or are determined automatically income eligible. A person who participates or has
family members who participate in certain other benefit programs, such as the Food Stamp Program, Medicaid or Temporary
Assistance for Needy Families, automatically meets the income eligibility requirement.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply, set up an appointment at the WIC clinic closest to you:
http://wdh.state.wy.us/familyhealth/wic/WICLocatorMap.html

Program Contact Information
Please see the following Web Site for the income standard or maximum income limit for WIC eligibility:
http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/howtoapply/incomeguidelines.htm

For more information on WIC in Wyoming, please visit their website at:
http://wdh.state.wy.us/wic/index.asp

You can also call the Community Family Health Division of the Wyoming Department of Health at:
307-777-7656


Managing Agency
Wyoming Department of Health
http://wyoming.gov/

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Program Description
The Special Milk Program provides milk to children in schools, childcare institutions and eligible camps that do not participate in
other Federal child nutrition meal service programs. Schools that participate in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast
Programs, can participate in the Special Milk Program for half-day kindergarten and pre-kindergarten children who do not have
access to a school meals program. The program reimburses schools and institutions for the milk they serve.
General Program Requirements
Any child in a school or institution that participates in the Special Milk Program can get milk. Schools may elect to offer free milk to
low-income children. In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Wyoming, your household's
annual income before taxes must not exceed $20,036 if one person lives in the household; $26,955 if two people live in the
household; $33,874 if three people live in the household; $40,793 if four people live in the household; $47,712 if five people live in the
household; $54,631 if six people live in the household; $61,550 if seven people live in the household; and $75,388 if more than eight
people live in the household. For larger households, add $6,919 for each additional person in the home.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for the Special Milk program, directly contact your child’s school, camp, or child care institution to find out if it participates
in the Special Milk Program.

The Federal agency Child Nutrition Programs manages this program and provides state contact information here:
http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Contacts/StateDirectory.htm

Additionally, your state education agency can also provide you with more information about the program.
https://wdesecure.k12.wy.us/stats/wde_public.directory.program_staff?p_program_id=194

Program Contact Information
To visit Wyoming Special Milk Program (SMP) on the web, please visit:
http://www.k12.wy.us/hs.asp

If you have questions regarding the SMP, please contact Katie Mordhorst of the Department at Education at:
307-777-6262

You can also contact your local school district to learn more about Wyoming SMP.


Managing Agency
Wyoming
http://wyoming.gov/

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Program Description
The Head Start program (for children ages 3-5) and Early Head Start program (for pregnant women, infants, and toddlers) promote
school readiness for children in low-income families by providing comprehensive educational, health, nutritional, and social
services. Parents play a large role in the programs, both as primary educators of their children and as participants in administering
the programs locally. Both programs provide pre-literacy and literacy experiences in a multi-cultural environment. Parents are also
provided social services, including assistance with childcare. Services are also available to migrant and seasonal farm worker
families.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Wyoming, you must be a parent or primary
caregiver responsible for a child who is too young for public school and your household's annual income before taxes must not
exceed $10,830 if one person lives in the household; $14,570 if two people live in the household; $18,310 if three people live in the
household; $22,050 if four people live in the household; $25,790 if five people live in the household; $29,530 if six people live in the
household; $33,270 if seven people live in the household; $37,010 if eight people live in the household; and $40,750 if more than
eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $3,740 for each additional person in the home.

If you do not meet these criteria, you may still qualify if you are a U.S. national, citizen or permanent resident whose financial status
is low income or very low income, who is under-employed, unemployed or about to become unemployed, facing pregnancy, less
than 19 years of age yourself, or the parent or primary caregiver for children under the age of 19 years. Other qualifications may
apply.


Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
The Head Start Locator provides a searchable database of Head Start programs. To apply for this program please visit the
following website, which will direct you to the Head Start office nearest to you:
http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/HeadStartOffices

Program Contact Information
For more information on Wyoming Head Start, please visit:
http://wind.uwyo.edu/headstart/

If you would like to speak with a State representative regarding the program, you can also call the Wyoming Head Start-State
Collaboration Office at:
307-766-2452



Managing Agency
Wyoming Institute for Disabilities
http://wyoming.gov/

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The Wyoming Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) provides funds to the States to assist with the weatherization of the
homes of low-income elderly and disabled adults and families. Applicants must meet low-income eligibility guidelines based on
established Federal poverty guidelines. Activities include: insulation, storm windows, caulking, and other related activities to
reduce home energy costs and increase home energy efficiency.

General Program Requirements


In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Wyoming, your household's annual income before
taxes must not exceed $16,245 if one person lives in the household; $21,855 if two people live in the household; $27,465 if three
people live in the household; $33,075 if four people live in the household; $38,685 if five people live in the household; $44,295 if six
people live in the household; $49,905 if seven people live in the household; and $55,515 if eight people live in the household. For
larger households, add $5,610 for each additional person in the home.


Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
For a Weatherization application or for more information about getting help paying your heating bill, call (800) 246-4221. For more
information about the Weatherization Program, call the office serving your county, which can be located at the following location:
http://dfsweb.state.wy.us/fieldop/briefing5b.htm

Program Contact Information
For more information on the Wyoming WAP and the local agencies that administrate it, please visit:
http://dfsweb.state.wy.us/fieldop/briefing5b.htm


Managing Agency
Wyoming
http://wyoming.gov/

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REMEMBER NO MATTER WHAT TOWN, CITY, COUNTY, PARRISH OR STATE
SEND US YOUR UPCOMING EVENT INFORMATION TO BE APPLIED TO YOUR
STATE'S PAGE!

BECOME ACTIVE IN YOUR COMMUNITY!

IF YOUR GROUP, ORGANIZATION, OR HOUSE OF WORSHIP HAS ANY ACTIVITIES UPCOMING SUCH AS:

MEALS FOR THE NEEDY, FOOD PANTRIES & BASKET GIVEAWAYS, CLOTHING CLOSETS, BAZAARS,
FLEA MARKETS, CAR WASHES, FREE CLASSES/SEMINARS, FILM FESTIVALS,
FIRST TIME HOME PURCHASER SEMINARS, STATE FAIRS....EVEYTHING!!!!

PLEASE CONTACT ME BY EMAIL: homelesstoindependence@yahoo.com