Impact Cares in Cheyenne: A Week of Hope, Hard Work, and Heart
Cheyenne, Wyoming welcomed Impact Cares with open arms, and our time there was nothing short of incredible. From the moment we arrived, we felt a strong sense of community, connection, and history. Did you know Cheyenne was founded in 1867 as a Union Pacific Railroad town and later became known as the “Magic City of the Plains” for its rapid growth? That pioneering spirit still lives on in the people we met this past week.
We arrived in Cheyenne early Sunday afternoon, and by Wednesday, we were gathered for our community dinner. The weather was perfect, and over 60 people joined us for our Friday project day—what an amazing group of volunteers! The dinner wasn’t just a meal; it was a time for residents to connect. Many familiar faces came out, including one woman who moved into the community after attending our last dinner and seeing how we helped her mom. By the end of the night, residents had even formed a few new groups, including a potluck club and a walking group—proof that Impact Cares projects often spark lasting connections among neighbors.
Throughout the week, we worked on dozens of projects, touching homes and lives in meaningful ways. One resident we’ll never forget is an 81-year-old grandmother whose home had fallen into disrepair. She feared she’d be forced to leave because of rotting siding and city violations. “You are an answer to prayers!” she told us when we arrived. In just two days, our team replaced all her siding and volunteers painted her home. “Do you want to see my 2025 new home?” she beamed. We also repaired trim and painted sheds for her neighbors—showing how one project can ripple out to bless a whole street.
Another project that deeply impacted us involved a man who’d lost a leg due to diabetes. Unable to navigate his stairs, he relied on two separate wheelchairs—one inside and one outside—and had to crawl between them. Our team knew exactly what to do. In just two days, we built him a sturdy wheelchair ramp. By the end of the day, he was smiling ear-to-ear, visiting neighbors, and even helping clean up the community. It’s amazing how freedom of movement can restore a sense of dignity and purpose.
We also helped a woman who’s lived in the community since the early 1970s. Her home needed extensive repairs—siding, roofing, plumbing, and electrical work. She feared she’d have to move into assisted living, but thanks to the efforts of our volunteers, she now has a safe, comfortable home where she can continue living independently. Another elderly resident, struggling with worsening breathing, couldn’t afford to fix her electrical issues. What we discovered was simple—just a few burnt fuses. A quick repair, but one that brought immense relief.
In addition to individual homes, we created spaces for the whole community to enjoy. Volunteers from Tablemound and other groups built a new playground complete with a swing set, dome, airplane teeter-totter, picnic table, and grill. We even constructed a small bridge for easy access. The best part? Watching kids from the community climb, swing, and play on their new equipment before we’d even finished setting it up.
Our volunteers worked tirelessly on both Friday and Saturday. Saturday brought our largest turnout yet—around 30 extra volunteers from a local church group. Tory, one of our leaders, kept teams running smoothly, while others ensured cold drinks and warm food were ready for everyone. The Cheyenne Fire Department also joined us for lunch. We presented them with a plaque as a token of appreciation, and the assistant chief shared a heartfelt moment with a resident whose late husband, a former fire chief, designed their current department patch.
Cheyenne, with its deep roots in resilience and community, truly inspired us. From building ramps and decks to replacing siding and creating a vibrant playground, we witnessed transformation—not just in homes, but in hearts. One resident summed it up best: “Thank God for sending you here.”
Cheyenne was one of the most enjoyable projects we’ve had in a while, and we left with full hearts, grateful to have played a part in helping this community thrive.