With the slicing of scissors through ribbon Needs, Inc. officially opened its Pine Bluffs location on Saturday morning. Doing the honors were Pine Bluffs councilman Bill Cushing, clerk Cate Cundall, and county commissioners Jeff Ketcham and Diane Humphrey. They joined representatives from Cheyenne’s Needs, Inc. and a group of well-wishers for the festivities, which included refreshments and a look around the new facility.
"We want to thank Needs, Community Action and other organizations that do so much good for the county," Humphrey said after the ribbon was cut. "A lot of people don’t realize people out in the country need these services."
Needs, Inc. has served the no- and low-income segment of Cheyenne since 1972. Experienced workers and a compliment of trained volunteers will man the new location in Pine Bluffs, which now occupies the Pine Bluffs Masonic Lodge. Ready for its first customers, the Needs "store" is full of items for those who need a helping hand. Needs executive director, Ami Skeens said through private donations and funding from the Daniels Fund and United Way Needs provides food boxes, clothing, household goods, school supplies and at Christmas partners with the U.S. Marine Corps in the Toys for Tots program.
"There is a need in eastern Laramie County," Skeen said. " With the economy people can’t afford to drive to Cheyenne, so we are going to bring the services to them."
During the ribbon cutting Cushing welcomed Needs to town, adding "It sure is going to be well-needed and well-used. We couldn’t be more happy."
"It takes a partnership to make this happen," Ketcham noted. "Our volunteerism is a lot better than anywhere."
"This fills a gap that everyone knows is there and is a step in the right direction for the county," he added.
Skeen thanked the town of Pine Bluffs for assisting in making the new location become a reality.
"The town has been remarkable," she said, noting the use of the building was donated.
Following the volunteer spirit, Skeen added the labor for electrical service was done by Doyle Eggli of IBEW Local 415 and Raymond Matthews donated his skills to complete construction work at the lodge hall. Community Action of Laramie County answered the call for donations and Cheyenne Light, Fuel and Power donated funds for the installation of a new phone system.
Needs, Inc. of Pine Bluffs will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Those desiring to make use of Needs’ service should bring photo identification; proof of physical residence, such as a utility bill; the social security card or birth certificate for all residents of the household; and proof of income, such as the last few paystubs, an award letter from the Social Security Administration and a child support printout if applicable.
Services are for residents of Laramie County.
