Inaugural awards program doles out $800k to local families
JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — When the nation looks at Jackson Hole, they see a resort community filled with beauty and fun. But for many of the families who live and work here, there is another side to that story.
Hard-working parents strive to build better lives for themselves and their children despite a high cost of living. Dedicated workers struggle to find stable housing. Local children face the very real problem of food insecurity. Too many local families face an uncertain future.
This holiday season,to create real and positive change for these families. Working with the Fund for Public Education, Teton County School District #1 (TCSD#1), and Teton Youth and Family Services, a very generous individual who wishes to remain anonymous stepped forward to create the first annual Jackson Hole Community Wellbeing Awards.
These awards offer financial support to 48 local families who are working to overcome some of our community’s toughest challenges.
The cash awards are up to $18,000 per family, disbursed over one year. They are intended to support the wellbeing of families who work to make Jackson Hole a better place for us all. Awarded families were nominated by the staffs of TCSD#1 and Teton Youth and Family Services, based on both need and merit. The decision to choose these recipients from among the many who are deserving was difficult, but, with community support, the award may be available to more families in the future.
“These awards are life-changing for the recipients,” said TCSD#1’s Superintendent, Dr. Gillian Chapman. “They give hard-working families more stability, which, in turn, gives their children the opportunity to flourish, both at home and in our schools.”
Jennifer Jellen, executive director of the Fund for Public Education said that the awards will have a direct and immediate impact on our community.
“Effecting change is hard,” she said. “It takes vision and it takes significant investment, and the donor has brought both to these awards. For some families, the awards provide the breathing room needed to craft a stable future. For others, they are a lifeline and a chance to forge a path forward. In every case, they create positive opportunities that build a stronger community for us all.”
The anonymous donor intends to make the awards an annual opportunity and asks others to join in supporting local families.
“The fact that this donor was willing to step up and support complete strangers, is just one sign of the generosity that makes Jackson Hole such a special place to live,” added Dr. Chapman. “We hope others will join in supporting the Jackson Hole Community Wellbeing Awards.”
