|
This project is conducted in cooperation with the Fremont County Department of Family Services Foster Care program. Lander Rotary Club has an ongoing relationship with DFS, working with the Foster Care Clothing Closet and, in 2025-26, on Bags of Comfort and Hope for girls in the Foster Care System. Lander Rotary would like to help Native American boys in the foster care system during 2026-27.
Needs for this project were identified by program leaders at Wind River Cares Victim Services, Sacred Child (Wind River Reservation) and the Eastern Shoshone DFS program. When children are removed from the home, they often arrive with nothing but the clothes on their back. They are victims of trauma and in need of basic hygiene products and comfort.
Sacred Child serves all children on the Wind River Reservation. Children are placed at this shelter when there is no other option available and the child needs to be removed from the family. They are typically victims of physical or sexual abuse or neglect. They may also have trauma from observing IBV or substance abuse in the home.
Wind River Cares Victim Services also serves children on the Wind River Reservation. These children have been victims of trauma, displacement, and/or abuse. They may be in foster care or guardianship with a family. Again, due to their trauma, it is unlikely that they have any of their personal possessions with them.
Eastern Shoshone DFS program - Once again, these are children who are victims of trauma personally or through observing IBV and/or substance use.
Dr. Jackie Nelson, who served as a pediatrician on the reservation(s) throughout her career connected with the administrators of these programs about their participation in the program and has seen first-hand the need for the Gear Bags.
These bags will include items for immediate hygiene needs, necessities such as a duffle bag (as they may have a paper or plastic bag for their items), items for school, items for comfort such as a fleece blanket, and small items for entertainment/play.
Timeline: After grant approval, 3-4 months for ordering and obtaining supplies, 2 months for bag packing, 2 months for bag delivery.
Project Funds: Two files are attached to explain how funds will be spent. The Budget Spreadsheet and a file titled, Budget Documentation Sheets. The Budget Documentation Sheets show screenshots of each item purchased and the cost. The Spreadsheet includes the vendor.
Rotarian Involvement: Rotarians will be involved in obtaining the bags and all items in the bags; preparing bags for delivery and delivering bags. They will also continue involvement for the DFS Foster Care Clothing Closet which can benefit these same children.
| 
