Open Class Ywca School For Homeless Children Celebrates Five Years

The YWCA Transition School will mark its fifth anniversary Friday with an open house.

The classroom program for homeless children has helped nearly 900 kids in grades K-8 since it was started by the Y and Spokane School District 81.

“We think we’ve been very successful in keeping children in school and providing some continuity in their lives,” said Elizabeth K. Berry, the YWCA’s executive director. “And it’s important for the community to recognize that this is here and that it’s working.”

Berry said the program is viewed by some as a national model for collaborative efforts to provide education for children of families living in shelters or outdoors.

“Here, nobody makes fun of them,” she said. “Here, they’re all accepted.”

The YWCA is at 829 W. Broadway. The open house will be from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.

There will be a concert by the children at 12:15 p.m. And from 1 until 2:45, there will be a birthday party for the students.

As is true for virtually all social service programs, securing and maintaining funding is a constant concern. So organizers of the school’s open house hope the event will heighten awareness of the project.

“I’d just like people to know that we’re here and to see what a good job is being done for the children,” said Berry. “But most of all, this event will be a celebration.”