History

Cathedral Home for Children came into existence as an orphanage in 1910. Founded by Bishop Nathaniel S. Thomas, the orphanage ran until the 1970s when changes in child welfare policy closed orphanages. Cathedral Home then changed its name to Wyo Place and became a residential treatment center for teens around Wyoming who were not doing well in their family situations.

During this time, Cathedral Home moved from Hunter Hall in Laramie to our present location 2 miles north. In the 1980s, we changed our name back to Cathedral Home for Children and began expansion efforts. From one building housing girls, boys, and the administrative staff, the Home now has three boys cottages, two girls cottages, a chapel, school, the Hayes Medical Center, and the original building which houses the administration staff and deaf cottage.

The emphasis has also changed. Residents come from all over the Rocky Mountain region and most have serious issues of abuse, chemical dependency, other traumas. Cathedral Home has been admitting more children and younger children in recent years (ages 10-11) as the population of deaf and hearing-impaired children is growing. Residents receive treatment through counseling, special programs such as the Wilderness program, and education. Many children are behind in their schooling and Cathedral Home offers a fully accredited year-round school to help them achieve their educational goals.

Children placed at Cathedral Home are in risk of failing to thrive at home, school, and in society. Cathedral Home has earned a reputation of excellence for outstanding programs, extraordinary teachers, and astute counselors establishing the environment to rehabilitate these children's lives. Our program is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.  According to Robin J. Haas, Cathedral Home Executive Director, "Achieving accreditation demonstrates Cathedral Home's commitment to provide high quality care to its residents. We make a significant investment in the quality of care for our children."

In addition to the residential program, Cathedral Home established the Laramie Youth Crisis Center, a place for local children who need a safe, temporary place to stay. The Crisis Center also offers programs to enhance and strengthen the family. Cathedral Home is home to the Foster Grandparents Program, a national program that pairs low income seniors with children who need extra help in school.