McDonald’s made another meaningful community stop last week, bringing breakfast sandwiches, burritos, and hot coffee to Community Entry Services (CES) in Lander. Nearly 35–40 clients and staff gathered for the Meet & Greet, kicking off the morning with food, conversation, and plenty of excitement.
CES, which supports 110 adults with disabilities throughout Fremont County, welcomed the McDonald’s team into the historic Hudson Building, their headquarters and a former post office built in 1912. As clients filled the lobby and hallways, the energy was infectious. “I know our clients have been going up to McDonald’s in their motorized scooters for years now,” said Joe Stong, Director of Communications & Development. “Glad to have you guys come here.”
A Mission Rooted in Community
CES plays a vital role in helping adults with disabilities live fulfilling and community-connected lives. Their services include group homes, supported living, daily activity programming, vocational opportunities like their Neat Repeat thrift store, and a fleet of vehicles that help clients get to work, appointments, and outings.
And they stay busy. Clients are frequently out swimming, fishing, going to movies, volunteering, and participating in everyday activities most of us take for granted. Each client is paired with a dedicated Direct Service Professional, many of whom describe the work as both challenging and deeply meaningful. With more than 100 employees, CES has become a place where staff build lifelong bonds with the individuals they support.
Challenges and Community Support
But while their impact is large, their budget is not. Recent government cuts have made community fundraising more important than ever. CES relies on major annual events like Dancing with the Stars in Lander, Festival of Trees in Riverton, and statewide giving days like WyoGives to help fill the gaps.
“We care for about 110 adults with disabilities in Fremont County,” Stong explained. “We’ve got homes, we’ve got a fleet of vehicles. But because we don’t put logos on them, many people don’t know we’re out there. We want our clients to feel integrated into the community, not labeled. We’re the best-kept secret in town.”
One current challenge: replacing a wheelchair-accessible bus that was totaled after hitting a deer. “It’s a tough one to replace, but we have to,” Joe added.
A Visit Filled with Connection
Lander Branch Director Ron Grogan gave the McDonald’s team a tour of the Hudson Building, pointing out the original doors, windows, moldings, and post office features preserved from 1912. “It’s not the most energy-efficient building,” Ron joked, “but it’s part of our story.”
The McDonald’s team asked how they could get involved. Joe and Ron suggested a McDonald’s-themed tree at Festival of Trees and even teased owner Tim Postel about competing in Dancing with the Stars. (While Tim declined, he hinted that a McDonald’s employee might be up for the challenge.)
A Place That Changes Lives
Many of the clients at CES have been with the organization for decades. People like David Dempster, who arrived at CES at age 21 and quickly became the “face” of the Lander program, known for his warm hellos, storytelling, and genuine love for the community. Clients like David show exactly why CES matters and how much a donation can transform a life.
A Morning to Remember
As breakfast wrapped up, the room stayed lively. Full of conversations, laughter, and gratitude on both sides. McDonald’s left inspired by CES’s work and grateful for the opportunity to meet the people who make it all happen.
The Meet & Greet wasn’t just about food. It was about connection. A reminder that strengthening a community starts with showing up, sharing a meal, and supporting the organizations that do life-changing work each day.
The Festival of Trees is right around the corner, with Family Night on December 4th and the Gala evening on December 5th. To learn more about how you can be a part of the fun and spirit of giving, click here.
