Meet the intern: Caleb Harris joins the Trust’s community engagement team

At the beginning of 2024, the Natrona Collective Health Trust expanded its community engagement work with the addition of Kristy Oster, Director of Community Engagement. Kristy’s work is focused heavily on the facilitation of the Natrona Council for Safety and Justice (NCSJ), a group dedicated to identifying and addressing resources and gaps for vulnerable populations in Natrona County.

The work of NCSJ is broad, and an internship position was created to not only assist with the workload but also bring lived experience to the efforts of the Trust. Caleb Harris joined the team in May and will be with the Trust through the end of 2024. We asked Caleb to share a bit about himself and tell us about his internship experience so far.

First of all, tell us a little bit about yourself personally:

I have lived in Wyoming for the past 13 years, but I spent most of my early life in the panhandle of Florida. I am a proud father of three wonderful children.

Throughout my life, I have faced significant challenges, including multiple prison incarcerations, substance use disorder, and the associated struggles. Despite these adversities, my faith in God remained a constant in my life. In 2021, I fully surrendered to my faith, walked away from my old lifestyle, and became homeless.

I passionately believe that my purpose in life is to extend the grace that was freely given to me. I have a deep-seated passion for assisting justice-involved individuals, the homeless, and those grappling with addictions. My lived experiences equip me to offer peer-to-peer support, guiding others through the complexities of life.

I hold a steadfast belief that every individual, regardless of their past, possesses inherent value. Everyone deserves love and compassion, and as a society, we owe it to ourselves to extend grace to others.

Tell us about your studies and your future career goals. What motivated you to pursue this path?

I completed the discipleship program at the Wyoming Rescue Mission WRM, marking the beginning of a transformative journey. I enrolled in City Vision University in 2022 after being awarded a scholarship through their partnership with WRM. I am pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry and Leadership/Non-Profit Management. I am currently 75% towards completing my associate degree, which has been entirely online—a format that has greatly benefited my learning.

In June 2023, I co-founded the Thrive Together Initiative, a reentry nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals reintegrate into society and discover their path in life. We operate several support groups within the county detention center and facilitate “The Only Person You Cheat Is You” (TOPOCU) program within their 45-day treatment unit.

I plan to utilize my degree to further the mission I feel called to pursue. The diverse population I aim to support requires a comprehensive understanding that extends beyond my subjective experiences. As I continue my education, I am gaining broader insights that will enhance my ability to serve effectively.

Having grown up with addiction and witnessing its devastating impact on my family legacy, I am determined to break this generational curse for both my family and others. My goal is to demonstrate that, regardless of one’s circumstances, the obstacles in life can be overcome.

How has the experience been so far? What has kept you busy? What has been the most rewarding?

Since joining the Natrona Collective Health Trust, I have learned that many people genuinely care about the well-being of others. From my perspective, I recognize the gap that exists between those who have access to help and those who need it. The Trust is diligently working to bridge this gap in our community.

One of the most rewarding experiences so far has been my involvement in co-facilitating the justice-involved Participatory Grant Making project. This initiative allows 13 diverse individuals to decide and allocate $230,000 in grants based on their lived experiences. I am grateful that the Trust has empowered those who will be most impacted by these funds. From my perspective, this project has already had a remarkable impact on our community.

Additionally, working with the dedicated team at the Trust has been incredibly rewarding. The organization has assembled a group of individuals committed to making a meaningful difference. It has been a privilege to witness the amazing work being done here. The goal is to effect positive change in our community and society. I see the efforts being made, and it is clear that significant progress is happening.

When you are not busy studying and working for the Trust, what keeps you busy and brings you joy?

I relax by taking walks, drawing (evidenced by the self-portrait seen above), and spending time near the water, whether fishing or simply enjoying the surroundings. I find immense joy in knowing that my children are healthy and thriving and that they have a father who loves them dearly.

Above all, I derive the greatest joy from helping others, in whatever form that may take—whether through a smile, a handshake, or a kind word. I passionately believe that we are all facing our own challenges, and it is far better to be kind and loving than to kick someone when they are down.