community
Finding Community in Sheridan
How a small Wyoming town became the foundation for building something bigger.
By Sarah M.
I moved to Sheridan, Wyoming three years ago not knowing a single person. I came for work, but what I found was something I didn't even know I was looking for: real community.
Small Town, Big Heart
Sheridan isn't flashy. It's not trying to be Boulder or Jackson Hole. It's just itself—a working town with real people who show up for each other.
When I first heard about the Goodyear Foundation and Local Nakamal, I was skeptical. I'd lived in cities where "community wellness" meant expensive yoga studios and overpriced smoothies. But this was different.
More Than Programs
What makes the Goodyear Foundation different is that it doesn't feel like a charity or a nonprofit in the traditional sense. It feels like... neighbors caring about neighbors.
The youth programs aren't just "activities"—they're spaces where teenagers actually talk about hard stuff and feel less alone.
The wellness events at Local Nakamal aren't performative—they're accessible, grounded, and unpretentious.
The CADASIL support isn't just information—it's connection with other families who get it.
What Well-Being Actually Looks Like
Before moving to Sheridan, I thought well-being was something you bought or achieved. Now I know it's something you build together.
It's showing up to a community event and recognizing faces.
It's knowing that if you're going through something hard, there are people and programs that will actually help.
It's living in a place where people are trying to build something real—not perfect, but real.
The Bigger Picture
I've learned that the Goodyear Foundation is connected to other projects: Wyo Stays, Dalton's podcast, and more. At first I thought that might dilute the mission. But now I see it differently.
It's all connected because well-being is connected. Having a safe place to stay (Wyo Stays) matters. Having conversations that challenge you to think bigger (Unrealistic Goals podcast) matters. Having a physical space to gather (Local Nakamal) matters.
This isn't fragmented—it's holistic.
If You're Considering Getting Involved
Whether you're in Sheridan or somewhere else, this kind of work matters. Supporting it—through donating, volunteering, or just showing up—is an investment in the kind of community we all want to live in.
Sarah M. is a Sheridan resident, volunteer, and advocate for community well-being. This story reflects her personal experience.
Placeholder for a real photo later.
One day this might be a picture from your community, your family, or a moment that carries this story. For now, it's a small reminder that these stories come from real people in real places.
If this story hits close to home
Stories like this are here so you don't have to feel as alone in whatever you're carrying. You're allowed to take breaks, to reach out, and to want more support.