The people who make Community Entry Services possible.

Long time Jackson resident Frank Lane and his family make a difference.

Frank Lane and his son Ryan Lane at CES day-habilitation center in Jackson, WY

Frank Lane is almost larger than life. A fixture on the water as a rafting guide for Barker-Ewing Scenic Tours, or volunteering around town at the Elks Club, Rotary Lunch Club or school and civic activities, he's made his mark on Jackson's local scene and has been a long time supporter and Board member of Community Entry Services since 2011.

After 20 years in the Hospitality business, Frank wasn't quite ready to retire so he started guiding rafting trips down the Snake River, a job he previously held with Barker-Ewing from 1985 through 2005. 

When Ryan, their first child, was born with Down Syndrome, Frank and his wife Alisa were committed to help him lead as normal a life as possible. Far from treating him differently, they encouraged him to ski and bike at a young age and together with the Teton school district and Teton Adaptive Sports they encouraged him to experience sports, music, and other extracurricular activities.

Now 21 and transitioning into CES' adult program, Ryan Lane has held several local jobs including at Teton Toys and serving as a ski instructor on the local ski runs where he specializes as a youth instructor.

"Ryan's got a superpower - his empathy and patience helps the young novice skiers who are afraid of the slopes to slow down, focus, and master the basics. He's a natural teacher. He's also got a wall full of medals from Special Olympics in skiing since he learned to ski practically before he learned to walk."

Alisa, St. John's Health Director of Finance in Jackson, is proud of her oldest son and his independence. He rides his E-bike from home to work and then on to either school or CES for occasional support and therapy.

Ryan with his Special Olympic medals

Frank and his family exemplify the positive impact a single family can have not just on their own members but on the wider society. And that's part of what makes CES work: far from treating adults with disabilities as liabilities, we see in them unique individuals who have gifts and insights that enrich us all.

If you'd like to be a part of what makes CES the gold standard of care for adults with disabilities in Wyoming please consider making a contribution today. https://www.ces-usa.org/donate