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The Child Development Center of Natrona County (CDC) was honored Wednesday by the Daniels Fund with its prestigious Medal of Excellence. CDC, based in Casper, Wyoming, received the award during the second annual Daniels Fund Salute to Excellence event at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.

“This is an incredible honor and reflects the tireless dedication of our entire team,” said Alisha Rone, Executive Director of CDC. “We get to witness the incredible impact our services have on Wyoming’s children and their families each day, and to receive recognition from the Daniels Fund for that impact is truly special.”

CDC received a $250,000 award in recognition of its impact on children and families through outpatient occupational, physical and speech therapy for children with special needs, as well as reading coaching, and audiology services. Established in 1967, CDC has grown to serve more than 700 children daily from birth to age 21.

“The CDC works to ensure every child in Wyoming has the opportunity to grow, dream and thrive,” said Daniels Fund President and CEO Hanna Skandera. “The CDC’s mission, innovation, and compassionate dedication to the people they serve sets a standard of excellence that truly inspires us all.”

CDC serves children with and without special needs. Their services are free to any child with a diagnosis or signs of a developmental delay. Their team includes a staff of 120 people — including an in-house nurse practitioner and the only audiology therapist in the state of Wyoming. As the organization has grown, it has engaged the community to learn what children need and designed their services to be responsive to those needs.

Recognized alongside CDC as Salute to Excellence finalists were Denver-based CrossPurpose and Teaching the Autism Community Trades (TACT) in Englewood, Colorado. These organizations were also honored for their pioneering solutions and community impact that aligns with the Daniels Fund’s mission. They each received a $100,000 prize to advance their work.

CrossPurpose assists individuals experiencing poverty through job training and by creating community relationships that allow them to expand their skills, obtain a career and live a productive life.

Empowering individuals on the autism spectrum, TACT offers job and skills training so these individuals can obtain a career and maximize their independence.

The awards, totaling $450,000, are in addition to funding support the Daniels Fund has given to each organization over the past several years as longstanding grantees. The Daniels Fund has distributed more than $1.2 billion in grants and scholarships throughout its 25-year history.

If you are interested in donating to these organizations, please visit their websites:

• Child Development Center of Natrona County (CDC)
• CrossPurpose
• Teaching the Autism Community Trades (TACT)

Photography and Interview Opportunities: Professional photographs, video, and other information from the event are available here: www.danielsfund.org/salutetoexcellence.