Program Gives Kids A Chance

Mon., May 27, 1996

Elana Jefferson Staff writer

Shancie Wagner came home from Rogers High two years ago upset because a boy who could not afford driver’s education was turned away.

She returned to school the next day with a check from her mom, Debbie Wagner, to pay for the boy’s class and an assurance that he could seek them out for help again. He ended up living with the Wagners for a year.

These random acts of kindness led to Growing Up Winners, a resource organization for children and teens. Founded by Wagner with help from Spokane COPS and the Spokane Police Department, the group uses a computer to match donations of clothing, school supplies, household items and health-care services with kids who need them. Now they are fund-raising to buy a house that will serve as a temporary home for young people who need a place to stay.

Finance chair Debra Wittwer estimates that Growing Up Winners has helped more than 50 kids since Christmas. “Children are our future. We all need to invest in them,” she says.

For information about Growing Up Winners, call 484-6619.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color photo

MEMO: Each Monday, Discoveries highlights people making a difference in Spokane. This column is inspired by the Spokane County Health Improvement Partnership (HIP), an alliance whose shared mission is to improve the health status of our community. The Spokesman-Review supports HIP in its commitment to discover 10,000 initiatives that improve community well-being. If you have a Discovery that deserves recognition, write to: Elana Jefferson, Editorial Department, The Spokesman-Review, 999 W. Riverside, Spokane 99201.

Each Monday, Discoveries highlights people making a difference in Spokane. This column is inspired by the Spokane County Health Improvement Partnership (HIP), an alliance whose shared mission is to improve the health status of our community. The Spokesman-Review supports HIP in its commitment to discover 10,000 initiatives that improve community well-being. If you have a Discovery that deserves recognition, write to: Elana Jefferson, Editorial Department, The Spokesman-Review, 999 W. Riverside, Spokane 99201.

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