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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

The Arc of Spokane opens center in Spokane Valley

The Arc of Spokane has expanded into Spokane Valley.

The agency has opened a center on the first floor of Spokane Valley Partners, 10814 E. Broadway Ave.

Soon, remodeling of that space will begin, with the goal to add even more activities to serve area residents with intellectual and physical disabilities.

The move resulted from the Arc’s recent merger with Center Pointe, which offered recreational, socialization and educational services for people with disabilities. Center Pointe sold its building on Washington Street in Spokane, with the goal of using that money to pay off debt and open a new community center.

Brian Holloway, the Arc’s director of advocacy and family support, communications and development, said the two organizations had similar goals, and each recognized the importance of keeping their members socially engaged while supporting their families. He said 70 percent of adults who are developmentally disabled live at home with their parents. Both Center Pointe and the Arc offered activities for these adults, which not only helps their clients, but also provides respite to their families during the day.

The two groups came together and began searching for a new place for their members. They considered Spokane’s North Side and Spokane Valley. The Arc also runs a community center at 320 E. Second Ave.

They decided on the Valley because of the need.

“In the Valley, there is no service like this for families,” Holloway said.

At Spokane Valley Partners, chief executive officer Ken Briggs was looking for a new tenant in the lower level of the building. Grins and Giggles Family Dentistry, which moved into the building in 2010, will move next month to a space at Pines Road and Cataldo Avenue. Valleyfest, which has offices in the lower level now, will move to the top floor this fall.

When Briggs heard the Arc was looking for a place, he jumped at the chance. He said the organization will be a great complement to what they already do at Spokane Valley Partners.

The Arc started offering programming in the Valley on Aug. 25. Already, they’ve drawn two new members, four who also attend the Arc center on Second Avenue and 29 from the Center Pointe location.

They are currently offering painting, cultural experiences, general studies, ceramics and reading.

But the move to Spokane Valley Partners comes with the need for a fairly extensive remodel of the lower level to accommodate more programming and for ADA accessibility.

“Remodeling is going to be very expensive,” Briggs said. “We’re each putting sizable investments in this.”

Briggs said Spokane Valley Partners will widen its sidewalk along Glenn Road to accommodate para-transit vehicles. They will also build a ramp leading to a new reception area on the lower floor.

The Arc will remodel the lower level. There will be a large common area, a room for arts and crafts, a wood shop, ceramics shop, painting room, study room, a quiet space and an office.

Both entities will contribute financially to the projects. Briggs said Spokane Valley Partners will spend about $100,000 for the ramp and sidewalk. Holloway said much of the funds, about $100,000, came from Center Pointe from the sale of their building; the Arc will spend about $61,000.

“More people coming in makes this place a little more joyful,” Briggs said.