Three-Day Drive Will Raise Funds For Crisis Nursery
In 1982, a helpless child named Vanessa Behan died of child abuse. The public outcry in our community was rage at the perpetrator and frustration that such a tragedy was not prevented.
Some good has come from that horrific situation.
The Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery opened in 1987 and has served more than 13,000 children in need of care.
Today through Wednesday, the crisis nursery is conducting its annual fund-raising campaign. Each evening, more than 300 volunteers will take phone pledges from Inland Northwest residents.
The goal is to reach $75,000 in donations to help cover its operating expenses this year.
The Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery helps families unable to properly care for children because of a crisis they might be facing, such as a medical emergency, domestic violence, alcohol abuse or homelessness, says Sue Manfred, executive director.
When notified, the crisis nursery intercedes, taking in children ages birth through 6 years old and providing their care for up to 72 hours. During that time, the crisis nursery also offers counseling, family support classes and social service referrals.
The organization is run entirely on donations; federal or state money has never been used.
Says Manfred, “We’re here because of the generosity of people in our community.”
To make a donation, send a check payable to The Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery, 1004 E. Eighth, Spokane, WA 99202, or call (509) 535-3155.
Classes on interiors
Cynthia Blue-Blanton will present several new classes on the history of interior design at the Corbin Art Center, 507 W. Seventh.
“The English Periods” begins Oct. 11 for six weeks, from 7 to 9 p.m. “A Holiday Look at the Victorian Society” will be Thursdays, Nov. 30 and Dec. 7, from 7 to 9 p.m.
For more information or to enroll, call the Corbin Art Center at (509) 625-6677.
Literacy awareness
Enjoy a walk down the Centennial Trail to promote literacy in the Inland Northwest.
The Walk For Literacy is Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon, sponsored by the Spokane Literacy Coalition and Washington Mutual Bank.
The walk is free, open to the public and all ages are welcome. A total of $500 in books will be awarded to the school with the most participants.
There will be free T-shirts for the first 500 walkers, free books for walkers, ages 12 and under, and refreshments for all.
To participate, fill out a registration form at any Washington Mutual financial center. Walkers will meet at the Washington Water Power building, 1411 E. Mission, and follow the Centennial Trail to Spokane Community College and back.
Afterschool entertainment
When the school bells rings and children need creative ideas for afterschool play, hand them a new book by Sheila Ellison and Judith Gray, “365 Afterschool Activities” ($12.95, Sourcebooks).
Organized as a day-by-day calendar, each page lists an indoor or outdoor activity using minimal materials and simple instructions. From drama to writing, music to science, children will expand their intellect and develop self-esteem while having tremendous fun.
“365 Afterschool Activities” will encourage kids, ages 7 to 12, to entertain themselves. To order, call (800) 727-8866.
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