Ten graduate Climb Wyo. program

For 10 single mothers, it was an evening to show family members and the community how important the Climb Wyoming program is to them.

Climb Wyoming is a nonprofit organization that provides free job training programs for single mothers. They have trainings available in Rock Springs, Jackson, Gillette, Laramie, Cheyenne and Casper.

According the Climb Wyoming's website, "On average, Climb graduates more than double their monthly income, reduce or remove their need for government assistance, and are still in jobs over two years after completing the program. To date, we've helped more than 2,000 families reach self-sufficiency."

Last Wednesday evening, Climb Wyoming graduates in the Rock Springs CDL program and their family members gathered to celebrate these ladies' accomplishments.

"The impact you've made is huge," Climb Wyoming Program Director, Brittany Gray, said. "You're joining over 2,000 women in Climb Wyoming."

Climb Wyoming in Rock Springs has a 94 percent graduation rate and they are part of that, Gray said.

Those in the program are asked to participate in trainings that average about 40 hours a week, while they are still trying to take care of their families.

"We asked you to make a tremendous commitment," Gray said.

"Climb is not an easy program," Climb Business Liaison, Katie Glennemeier said.

The ladies not only had to complete Climb Wyoming courses, but everything required to obtain a CDL, Glennemeier said. They drove through every weather condition Wyoming had to offer and they did it well. They also learned how to create a resume, life skills, create a budget and financial independence.

She said they are now in the job placement phase of the program, so have jobs, some have offers on the table and others are waiting. Glennemeier said she will continue with them through the process until each of them has a job.

As the women received their diplomas, Gray had kind words to say about each and everyone of them. Some responded with laughter, while others walked away with tears of pride in their eyes.