TORRINGTON – The First State Bank, of the Glacier Bank Division, along with partnership of Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, has awarded a total of $110,909 to numerous Goshen, Platte and Natrona County nonprofit organizations.

Among these nonprofits include Diversified Services Inc. (DSI) in Torrington, along with Platte County Housing Authority, Services for Seniors Program Inc., Wyoming Child and Family Development In., Mother Seton House, Habitat for Humanity the Heart of Wyoming, Boys and Girls Club of Central Wyoming, Unaccompanied Student Initiative, Food Bank of Wyoming and Make-A-Wish Wyoming. All of the organizations were awarded funding as part of a specific grant platform called the Member Impact Fund (MIF).

The MIF has already provided $15 million in funds to eligible organizations, with an overall commitment to broadening communities by supporting community improvement, development and economic projects.

The program was introduced recently this year in 2023.

Julene Cook, the current CEO of DSI in Torrington, recently accepted funding from First State Bank President, Kelly Sittner, in the amount of $4,345 on behalf of MIF Friday afternoon. 

Cook briefly sat down with the Telegram to express appreciation of said funding, as well as the beneficial assistance it brings to DSI.

“This gives us a fantastic chance to update our technology and computer systems, so that they are a bit more modern,” Cook said. “They have to be updated per accreditation, and this support from First State helps tremendously. We don’t have any funding other than ninety percent Medicaid, contributions and donations. We are thankful for any contribution and donations, so that we can provide services and continue to provide them. I am dedicated to our organization’s mission statement regarding community inclusion, and we want to be a part of the community.”

Cook continued with adding that such support is not only helpful to technological aspects of DSI, but in the long run is vital to ensure the health and wellbeing of facility participants. This has been the longstanding mission of DSI for years.

“This is to support individuals so that they can lead more successful land meaningful lives,” Cook continued. “We provide community living service, all day services and community employment services as well.”

Cook has been with DSI for more than 10 years now, and is passionate about working with participants of the program, as well as the strong community relations that have been built between the organization and the public. She also advocates for continued positive communal perception, as well as inclusion when it comes to participants.

“I really enjoy working with the population, and giving them the help they need so that they can have meaningful lives,” Cook said. “I really would like to see more community inclusion of our population. I want them to go out into the community and feel like they are one of them. They need to have the same opportunities as everyone else. I want to change the public perception of the population. The population gives so much to the community, and I just want them to have the same in return. I want them to have successful meaningful lives and be accepted in any community.”

Cook conclusively noted that on top of positive community support and interaction, a vast amount of credit goes to a dedicated, top notched staff.

“I’m incredibly grateful to all my staff that do this work. Honestly it takes a lot to do this. We are just thankful for all the support the community gives us.”

For further questions or information please visit www.dsiwy.org.