In September 2007, after almost 40 years of public service in the Wyoming State Health and Family Service Agencies, Terry hung up his spurs. Together with other concerned citizens, he completed a thirty-week study of social justice called JustFaith. Through weekly small-group classes, 14 books, two retreats and four experiences with the homeless in Denver, CO and Cheyenne, WY, he realized that the Wyoming state assistance system he once administered was broken. Yes, the system responds to the immediate emergency needs for one in every five Wyoming residents, but it is designed around government budgets and not around resolving the root causes of poverty and uplifting families to self-sufficiency and independence. It was time to do something different---something more. As a JustFaith social justice response, Terry developed a team to address housing; the highest priority need in every Wyoming community for lower income, working families with children.
As of the spring of 2008, WYFHOP is one year into an exciting and inspiring adventure that has already begun to reverberate deep into the community. Hundreds of people in the Cheyenne community, including mentor families, churches, and businesses, have banned together on behalf of permanent housing for nine families who have 25 children combined. This project is about demonstrating the power of local people to take action and build community. It is also a chance to change reality for the generation of children who deserve to grow up in a safe and stable environment, and whose futures hinge upon the financial stability enabled by home ownership.
Terry earned his Bachelor's degree in Nutrition from Xavier University in Cincinnati. He holds a Masters degree in Public Health from the University of California at Berkeley. Terry has been married to Mary Ellen for more than forty years. They have two children, Mark and Laura, and four grandchildren.
Tara Sweeney
My name is Tara Sweeney. This fall, I'll be a senior in the Social Work program here at the University of Wyoming. When I started school in the fall of 2007, I didn't have any idea what to study. I had been interested in psychology, sociology, and political science…but I couldn't make a decision. Then I discovered the social work department. I was excited by the broadness of the field (so much of what I had been interested was incorporated) and by the six core values every social worker follows (service, social justice, determination and worth of person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence). Nothing else I explored had thrilled me like social work did and I knew I had found my place.
The further along I move in my coursework and the closer I get to graduation, the more I'm determining that I hope to work in community organizing or in some other macro area. WYFHOP has already been an incredible experience for me. I've been blown away by what I've learned in just the short time I've been familiar with it. Terry's explained his inspirations, his building of the nonprofit, the cooperation of community, the volunteering of time/effort/skill, the impacts and benefits, the technicalities of funding…I'm so amazed. I feel so privileged to have the opportunity to be a part of the program's growth and I know it will contribute in an invaluable way to my own! I hope to help directly in recruiting families and support for WYFHOP.
WYFHOP Structure
WYFHOP is incorporated as a Public Non-Profit as of 2007 with the Wyoming Secretary of State. WYFHOP's structure consists of the volunteer Program Manager, Advisory Board, and numerous volunteers. Advisory Board members meet on a quarterly basis. All faith community and business partner contributions are invested with the Wyoming Housing Network, our Trusted Fiscal Agent and 501(c)-3. Project education and administrative expenses are managed through grants and donations specified for this purpose. All contributions are tax deductible.
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