UPLIFT

10/14/2026

Thank you to those who attended our session, "When Managed Care Meets the Families at the Table," today.

*Session recap:

UPLIFT, a small statewide non-profit, supports Wyoming caregivers who are raising children and youth with behavioral, mental health, and substance abuse challenges. Firmly grass rooted in peer support, and facing budget challenges; the dedicated Board of Directors and staff were seeking a sustainable solution to continue their mission.

Magellan Healthcare, a care management entity, oversees High Fidelity Wraparound services for children and youth with complex behavioral health needs. Majestically perched on the Fortune 500 list, and struggling to meet the demand for services across Wyoming, the team was looking to grow their peer workforce.

It wouldn't seem like these two organizations had much in common, but this is a presentation showing what can happen when "siloed" becomes "supportive." A partnership was forged that focused on joining forces to keep families together by delivering peer support services rooted in their home communities. Focusing on the needs each family member has, custom-tailored collaborative plans are built around a family, focusing on their unique strengths and needs. Seeking out community resources to meet each family member where they’re at ensures that change is sustainable.

This shift resulted in a new income stream for UPLIFT and a larger workforce for Magellan, who could now serve more families with less staff turnover. More importantly, this was a win for Wyoming families who now benefit from having additional highly skilled peer support providers working alongside them for improved quality of life, where live, work and play.

10/13/2026

"Along with celebrating small gains, participants agreed that Wyoming and Western states have much work to do to meet steep challenges around mental health access in rural states. Workforce shortages, youth su***de prevention and an uptick in demand were among the issues addressed."

Gordon has made mental health a policy focus with initiatives to increase access and destigmatize.

10/13/2026

We are at the National Federation of Families conference; looking forward to presenting tomorrow on our partnership with Magellan in Wyoming!

10/13/2026

October is Health Literacy Month! Health literacy is the skill to find, understand and use information to make health decisions. Supporting people’s ability to be health literate is one way to work toward health equity.

Find tools on plain language, health literacy and language access at familyvoices.org/languageaccess.

10/10/2026

Creating a world where mental health is met with understanding instead of judgment starts with all of us. No one should have to meet their struggles alone.

​Let’s choose connection. Reach out to someone you love, ask how they’re really doing, and remind them that they matter. Your words could be the light someone needs right now!

10/08/2026

Their advocacy ensures that youth voices aren't just heard—they're valued.
​Know a young person in foster care who wants to make a difference, or want to learn more about their impact? Check this out!

October is Youth Justice Action Month. In Wyoming, the Wyoming Youth Advisory Council is a great opportunity for Wyoming foster youth to make a difference in the Wyoming foster care system.
Wyoming Youth Advisory Council is a group of current and previous foster youth who collaborate with state agencies, policy makers and community stakeholders to support and enhance the Wyoming foster care system. Through their advocacy, they aim to ensure that the voices of foster youth are heard and valued in decisions that impact their lives. https://wyac.net/

10/07/2026

Make a difference in your community! The Wyoming State Rehabilitation Council is seeking members to advise and support vocational rehabilitation services across the state. Apply today at https://dws.wyo.gov/dws-division/vocational-rehabilitation/state-rehabilitation-council/join-the-council/ or scan the QR code to get started!

10/07/2026

Register here:https://unc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_o6VCx_e3RzWmQl722tMg_g #/registration

While much of the media and partisan campaigning in the final days of the 2026 election will be polarizing and designed to get out the base, there are roles grassroots activists can play that lead to more informed voting, particularly related to core values most voters hold around families as our nation’s foundation.

This webinar is designed especially for child and family advocates, policy leaders, and practitioners in child and family fields who are nonpartisan but want our Congressional politics and policies to make it easier, not harder, for families to raise the next Generation Mindful.

Co-hosting organizations: Values to Votes, Child Health Equity Team of InCK Marks; National Prevention Science Coalition to Improve Lives; Decade of the Child Committee; and Johnson Policy Consulting.

Direct questions to Charlies Bruner at [email protected] or Diana Fishbein at [email protected].

10/07/2026

IEP 101: Understanding the IEP Process
TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
12:00 PM
This training gives families the knowledge and strategies to engage as equal partners in developing, reviewing, and implementing Individualized Education Programs, ensuring collaborative and impactful outcomes for children with disabilities. Bring your student's IEP (and maybe even your student!) and become an expert in your child’s education today!
Register Here! https://us06web.zoom.us/.../register/F72nLt3iR4aNlVEbKzF2mA