Wyoming Youth Advisory Council

10/01/2025

🌉 Building Bridges for Wyoming’s Children & Youth 🌉

The Wyoming Joint Symposium on Children & Youth (WYOJSCY) 2026 brings together cross-sector professionals — from healthcare to law enforcement, education to advocacy — to better respond to trauma, prevent abuse, and strengthen families.

📆 Dates & Location
June 9–10, 2026 • Casper, WY

📝 Call for Proposals
We’re now accepting speaker/session proposals. Submit by 11:59 p.m. MST on December 31, 2025 for full consideration. Late proposals may be accepted as needed.
➡️ Multiple proposals must be submitted separately.

📌 Why Participate?

Contribute your expertise

Shape statewide dialogue

Network with interdisciplinary peers

Advance best practices across systems

🔗 Use the link (or scan the flyer’s QR code) to submit your proposal: https://forms.gle/hLEZBo3GnXyF5x4E9

✉️ Questions? Email: [email protected]
| 📞 307-777-8952

05/31/2025

May is Foster Care Month. How do you become a foster parent? Find the answer and learn more at https://dfs.wyo.gov/services/child-youth-services/foster-care-foster-care-training/wyoming-foster-care-frequently-asked-questions/

05/25/2025

🎉Happy Birthday to the one and only Nathaniel Williams! 🎂 Even though WYAC removed official titles, you’re still known to all of us as our President — and rightfully so. Your leadership, heart, and dedication to youth across Wyoming are unmatched.

Turning 20 is just the beginning — you’ve already done extraordinary things, and we know there’s so much more ahead. If you’re planning to run for public office one day, just know you’ve already got our vote! 🗳️💙

Keep leading, keep inspiring, and keep being unapologetically you. Here’s to a bright future and an amazing year ahead! 🌟 👀

05/24/2025

🌟 May is National Foster Care Month 🌟

Foster Care Month is a time to recognize the incredible youth, families, advocates, and professionals who make a difference in the lives of children in care. It’s a powerful reminder of the work we must continue doing to ensure every child has a safe, supportive, and loving home.

A heartfelt thank you to Governor Mark Gordon for your Foster Care Month proclamation and continued support for youth and families in Wyoming. Your leadership means so much to those of us working on the frontlines of this effort.

We also want to express our deep appreciation to Kristy Gordy, Senior Administrator of Social Services at the Department of Family Services, for your tireless work and dedication to improving the lives of children and families across the state. And to Director Korin Schmidt — thank you for your steadfast leadership and commitment to strengthening our foster care system.

Together, we are building a better future for Wyoming’s children. 💙

04/01/2025

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month 💙

The Wyoming Youth Advisory Council stands with the Wyoming Children's Trust Fund in supporting the prevention of child abuse across our state. Every child and youth deserves safety, love, and a brighter future.

Together, we can create a Wyoming where every young person has the support they need to thrive. Prevention starts with awareness, action, and advocacy. Let’s stand up for our kids!

03/04/2025

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month 🧡

At the Wyoming Youth Advisory Council (WYAC), we believe that every young person deserves to be seen, heard, and valued—no matter their abilities, backgrounds, or experiences.

This month, we want to shine a light on the incredible strength, resilience, and unique talents of youth with developmental disabilities, especially those who have experienced foster care, juvenile justice, or other systems of care.

WYAC stands proudly with youth of all abilities, and we are committed to fostering a community where everyone belongs. We recognize that disability does not define worth, and we celebrate the diverse abilities that make each of us who we are.

Whether you have a developmental disability, are neurodivergent, or simply walk a different path—you matter. Your voice matters. Your story matters. At WYAC, we welcome all Foster youth, and we work every day to ensure that everyone—no matter their ability, race, gender, sexual orientation, or background—has a seat at the table and the chance to lead, grow, and thrive.

We are all different, but we are all human. And in that, we are all the same.

This month, let’s work together to break down stigma, open minds, and ensure that every youth, with or without disabilities, feels empowered, supported, and included in Wyoming’s future.

02/17/2025

Happy Presidents’ Day! 🇺🇸

Today, as we honor the Presidents of the United States who have shaped our nation, we also want to take a moment to recognize leadership at all levels—including the dedicated leadership within WYAC.

Strong leadership isn’t just about holding a title; it’s about making a difference, standing up for what’s right, and working toward a better future.

Our WYAC President Nathaniel Williams embodies these values by advocating for foster youth across Wyoming, leading with passion and making sure each youth on the council have their voices heard, and striving to create real change thank you to your hard work and dedication as the Leader of WYAC thank you Mr. President Williams.

On this day, we celebrate the leaders of our country and those who step up to lead in their communities. Leadership starts with action, and together, we can build a brighter future for foster youth and beyond!

02/03/2025

Hello Everyone! 👋

Please take a moment to check out the Wyoming Youth Advisory Council (WYAC) website at 🌐 www.wyac.net

Stay updated on our work, upcoming events, and how we're making a difference for foster youth across Wyoming! 💙✨

Providing opportunities for leadership, growth, and community involvement. at wyac

01/16/2025

Hello everyone!
We’re excited to announce that WYAC is gearing up for our 1st Annual State of the Council Address! 🎉 Vice President Szaber Paker will kick things off, followed by President Nathaniel Williams, who will deliver an important speech to our WYAC members, advisors, and community supporters.
📅 Event Details:
🕒 Date & Time: February 6th from 6:00 to 7:00PM
📍 Location: Laramie County Community College Auditorium
💻 The event will be streamed live on Facebook and Google Meet!
WYAC Members, your dinner will be covered by DFS, while non-WYAC members can attend the dinner for a fee of $11 (walk-in price) from 4:15 PM to 5:30 PM at the cafeteria.
Please let us know if you’re attending! By commenting down below. We look forward to seeing everyone there as we celebrate and support WYAC’s ongoing growth. Let’s come together for this special event!