Child Development Center of Natrona County Receives Daniels Fund Medal of Excellence Award
The Child Development Center (CDC) of Natrona County was recently honored with the prestigious Daniels Fund Medal of Excellence Award, recognizing its outstanding contributions to children and families in Wyoming. The award was presented during the second annual Daniels Fund Salute to Excellence event, held at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.
The CDC was selected for its tireless work in providing essential services to children with special needs, including outpatient occupational, physical, and speech therapy, as well as reading coaching and audiology services. The center’s commitment to supporting children’s development and helping families thrive has made a significant impact on the community.
“We are incredibly honored and proud to be named the winner of the 2025 Medal of Excellence at the Salute to Excellence ceremony!” said Alisha Rone, executive director of the Child Development Center of Natrona County. “Thank you to the Daniels Fund for celebrating our work supporting early childhood development and family services in Wyoming. This honor is a validation of our commitment to excellence, service, and making a profound impact on children and families in our community as part of Bill Daniels’ inspiring legacy. This recognition and $250,000 prize drives us to continue pushing boundaries and creating lasting change for families across the state.”
Celebrating Community Impact
At the event, the CDC received a $250,000 prize in recognition of its mission to provide critical services to children in need. Daniels Fund President and CEO Hanna Skandera praised the CDC’s efforts, saying, “The CDC works to ensure every child in Wyoming has the opportunity to grow, dream, and thrive. Their innovation and compassionate dedication to the people they serve sets a standard of excellence that inspires us all.”
The CDC’s impact is far-reaching, providing not only therapy and educational support but also creating a safe, nurturing environment for children and families throughout Natrona County. With a dedicated team of 120 staff members, the CDC continues to be a cornerstone of the community, ensuring that children with special needs have the resources they need to succeed.
Recognizing Other Community Leaders
The Daniels Fund also honored two other finalists at the event: CrossPurpose, a Denver-based organization focused on job training and poverty alleviation, and Teaching the Autism Community Trades (TACT), based in Englewood, Colorado, which offers job and skills training to individuals on the autism spectrum. Both organizations received $100,000 prizes to support their vital missions.
A Bright Future Ahead
The $250,000 prize awarded to the CDC will help support the center’s ongoing work and plans for expansion. “These funds will go towards expanding our facility unless the legislature cuts our funding,” Rone shared. “In that case, the funds will be used to offset operations so we can continue to serve children in need.”
This recognition is not only a testament to the dedication of the CDC’s staff but also a reflection of the incredible support from the Natrona County community. With this honor, the CDC is more motivated than ever to continue providing life-changing services to children and families in Wyoming.
“We are beyond grateful for this recognition,” Rone added. “This award honestly represents the amazing work that our 120 staff members provide every day to the children we serve. We look forward to continuing our work and making an even greater impact in the years to come.”
As the CDC moves forward, it remains steadfast in its mission to support early childhood development and family services in Wyoming—helping to ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow, dream, and thrive.
About the Daniels Fund
The Daniels Fund was established by Bill Daniels, a visionary cable television pioneer who dedicated his life to giving back to the states he loved—Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. Through grants and scholarships, the Daniels Fund has supported numerous organizations working to improve the lives of individuals in these communities. In 2024 alone, the Daniels Fund awarded more than $52 million in grants, continuing Bill Daniels’ legacy of making life better for those in need.
For more information about the CDC, click here.