“Our community is large and wildly diverse, which is at the same time our strength and our weakness. #Activate10 is a movement seeking to increase communication between individuals and organizations across Fremont County and to promote positive action in our communities.”
(Fremont County, WY) – Every child deserves the opportunity to develop a love of reading from the very beginning. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is helping make that possible for families in Fremont County by delivering a free, high-quality, age-appropriate book each month to children from birth to age five—at no cost to families, regardless of income.
United Way of Southwest Wyoming proudly serves as the local affiliate and administrator for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Fremont County. United Way directly manages the program by enrolling local children ages 0–5 within the coverage area, paying toward wholesale book and mailing costs, and promoting the program locally to drive enrollment and secure the funding needed to sustain it.
Research shows that access to books in the home at an early age leads to stronger language development, improved academic outcomes, and lifelong learning success. Early literacy support is especially important in Wyoming, where fewer than 35% of three and four-year-olds attend preschool, well below the national average of 50%. Reading aloud to young children helps prepare them for kindergarten and supports long-term educational success.
To expand and sustain this critical program, the Wyoming Community Foundation has awarded United Way of Southwest Wyoming a matching grant of up to $5,000 to support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Fremont and Uinta Counties. Every dollar donated locally will be matched dollar for dollar, doubling the impact of each gift and helping more children receive books.
Currently, 539 children in Fremont County are enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. With an average cost of just $30 per child per year, community support is essential to maintaining and growing the program. Donations made during this matching period will directly help release the grant funds and ensure the continued delivery of books to local children.
“We are seeking the community’s support to help us fully release this matching grant,” said United Way of Southwest Wyoming. “By giving now, donors can double their impact and make a lasting investment in early childhood education, family engagement, and the future of Fremont County.”
With the community’s help, United Way of Southwest Wyoming can ensure that every child in Fremont County has books in their hands and a strong foundation for future success.
You can donate online, here, or at swunitedway.org. Check donations should be made out to United Way of Southwest Wyoming and mailed to 4020 Dewar Dr., Ste B., Rock Springs, WY 82901.