(Riverton, WY) – First Interstate Bank in Riverton and the First Interstate Bank Foundation donated a combined $8,600 to the Volunteers of America Center of Hope today, January 7th. Presenting the check was local Bank President Mark Evans and accepting it was Center of Hope Program Director Ron Woodward.
In 2020, the Center of Hope saw a funding loss from both the city and county impacting the foreseeable future. These budget cuts caused the closure of their close observation program – one of their more important community programs, Woodward noted. “With COVID and loss of funding, it’s been a rough year.”
First Interstate Bank was eager to help ease some financial burden and provide this donation.
The Center of Hope went through a program restructure this past fall and are now focused on social detox and transitional housing. Their 20 beds are currently full, however, Woodward expressed that they are still able to help those in the community dealing with drug and alcohol addiction.
“We’ve streamlined our intake to almost nothing; a medical clearance and a COVID test and you are in.”
They have also been giving out coats, hats, gloves, scarves and hand warmers. “The community has been the backbone of this,” he continued. They are still accepting donations of coats and blankets since their supply has been given out. Donations can be dropped off at 223 W Adams in Riverton.
Above all else, Woodward wants folks to know that there is a resource in Fremont County for those struggling with addiction. You can learn more by visiting their website here.