Share the Plate
A few years ago, our congregation decided to share each week's offering with a non-profit partner whose programs and values are in line with Unitarian Universalism. Each January, the congregation nominates and then votes for non-profits in Wyoming. 12 are selected for the year. Each receives half of the offering for a month, and has the opportunity to visit and educate our congregation and friends about the work they do during services.
We are excited to offer videos this year highlighting our Share the Plate Partners, courtesy of Midnight West Productions. Check back each month for a new one!
January:
Minister's Discretionary Fund
The Minister's Discretionary Fund allows UUCC's minister to respond to immediate needs of congregants, and, occasionally, community members who are in need. The help provided might include paying a critical bill, or providing a gas card so the person can get to an interview, or a grocery card to tide over a family facing unexpected expenses.
February:
Wyoming Equality
Wyoming Equality strives to achieve equity for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, two-spirit, and queer Wyomingites by building broad and inclusive communities, shifting the hearts and minds of our neighbors, and achieving policy victories.
March: Juntos
The mission of Juntos is to educate, organize and advocate with people of all backgrounds to eradicate discrimination and inequality in all its forms. Juntos is committed to building power at the local level to address unjust actions and policies throughout the State of Wyoming that target the immigrant community.
Our vision is a State of Wyoming where every individual, regardless of their identity or background, enjoys equality, respect, and dignity.
April: Cheyenne Animal Shelter
The mission of the Cheyenne Animal Shelter is to enhance the quality of life for animals and people through compassion, respect, and education.
Bethel Outreach Ministries is a faith-based, non-profit, 501 (c) (3) that provides a comprehensive array of mental, emotional, and financial support services for men and women who have experienced incarceration.
June: UUCC Social Justice
The Social Justice Taskforce wants UUCC to be a force in the community, both as a place where community events happen and as a congregation that is involved in justice work. Currently, our main projects involved feeding and housing the unhoused.
July: Pride Cheyenne
Pride Cheyenne is a non profit organization, that started from a desire to create a free, self sustaining pride festival for Cheyenne Wyoming and the surrounding area. That goal, has grown into building a thriving LGBTQ+ community. Along with organizing our street fair, Pride Cheyenne host and organizes pride events year round, including but not limited to karaoke nights, pub crawls, movie nights, social meet up groups, family and youth events, and education programs to continue our larger goal of making our corner of Wyoming, a more inclusive place to live.
August: Unaccompanied Student Initiative
Unaccompanied Student Initiative is currently in Laramie, Albany and Natrona counties fighting homelessness among teenagers. They work to...
- Provide a stable home for homeless teens that live in a variety of unsafe, temporary situations - including cars, parks, shelters, motels, and couch surfing.
- Provide a support system for participants in the USI program, allowing the youth to focus on obtaining their high school diploma or equivalent
- Teach life skills, such as resume writing, budgeting, goal setting and achievement, and personal advocating, so that once they graduate the USI program, they become productive, independent members of society.
- Stop the intergenerational cycles of homelessness
September: Safehouse Services
Safehouse Services – a safe haven.
Safehouse Services is a not-for-profit organization that operates a shelter, facilitates support groups and advocacy programs, assists with protection order filings, and provides 24-hour crisis care and safety planning.
October: Black Dog Animal Rescue
The mission of Black Dog Animal Rescue is to promote, provide, and advocate for the needs of companion animals.
It’s not just about “saving black dogs.” In fact, Black Dog Animal Rescue (BDAR) welcomes dogs of all colors—and ages, sizes, and breeds, and cats too! It’s not just about finding loving forever homes for the hundreds of animals that come through the doors of BDAR every year, either. At BDAR, we’re working to change the way that companion animals—as well as their dedicated families—are recognized and supported by their communities. We believe in creating Socially Conscious Animal Communities. Read about what it means to be a Socially Conscious Shelter.
November: Veterans' Rock
Supporting Our Heroes
We are dedicated to fulfilling our mission by committing to:
- Rock solid support for homeless veterans, veterans in need, and their families.
- We will be their foundation on which to build a new household and a new life.
- We will be their staff to help guide them through tough times offering useful information and ways to communicate.
- We will help to lessen the burden of mental injury and fight to overpower veteran suicide through a welcoming presence in a warm, comfortable environment.
- They fought our freedom; now we must help them live free of everyday burdens in small, but impactful ways.
