The Difference Of One
Before you scoff at the cliche “One person can make a difference,” take a look at the last eight years of Valerie Marshall’s life.
When the mother of two moved to Spokane, she saw potential at the Martin Luther King Center and volunteered. Before long, she was director of the center and instilled a sense of purpose - of mission - in all who came through its doors.
At the end of this week, she’ll walk out those doors to a new career as regional coordinator of Washington’s Families for Kids. There’s no way to completely measure Marshall’s impact, but you can start by counting the lives she’s touched.
Hundreds of children going to the center found a warm and encouraging atmosphere that urges them to do their best, be their best. Marshall has been the greatest example of all - working tirelessly to make Spokane a better place.
She’s secured grants that have paid for a youth academy and a tutoring program. She filled up a library, began a Headstart chapter and a preschool program. She oversaw the revitalization of the center - both structurally and spiritually - and modestly called it a ministry.
Others call her a blessing. And Spokane is fortunate that she vows to stick around as a volunteer. We could all learn from Marshall’s one-person example.
The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = Anne Windishar/For the editorial board