St. Patrick’S Offers Program For Neighborhood Children

On a recent Wednesday afternoon, an unusual congregation filled the lawn at St. Patrick’s Church in Hillyard. A shaggy black sheep bleated at a languid llama. Lop-eared rabbits shook in the arms of sticky-fingered children. A passive pony stood in a bit of shade, watching the activity from a safe distance.

The lively mix of animals, popsicles and neighborhood kids was stirred up for the fourth gathering of “Art and Music on the Lawn,” a summer program started by Benedictine Sister Julie Wokasch, executive director of HOPE for COAP (Healthiness Offers Peaceful Enjoyment for Children of Addicted Parents).

“The purpose of the program is to create friendships and enjoy being with each other,” she told the crowd of about 50 kids.

Now in its second year, the Hillyard program is made possible by a grant from Spokane County Community Services. Though HOPE for COAP targets children of addicted parents, the summer program is for all neighborhood kids.

Every Wednesday in July, children have studied different types of art. For art as music, they made instruments out of paper plates and lentils. For art as creation, the kids made things out of clay. And for that day’s art of relating to God’s creatures, they practiced being gentle to animals and to one another.

Each meeting includes story time. Paula Floyd of KSPS Channel 7’s marketing and outreach department was on hand to read an animal story and hand out copies - donated by PBS’s Ready to Learn program - to the kids.

“It’s a great way for them to start building their own personal library,” she said.

Shannon Hitchcock, who brought her three children and their friends, agreed.

“They take the books home and read them again and again,” she said.

After story time, the crowd broke into groups of 10 and went to visit the animals. Caitlin Devaney, 8, came eye to eye with a llama.

“He’s fuzzy,” she said. “But I like the turkey. He’s funny.”

“I like the donkey. I’ve never seen a donkey,” 8-year-old Carlos Oliver said.

Caitlin’s mother, Miriam, said she likes the leadership of Wokasch and the counselors and is impressed with their dedication to children.

Bambi Howe brings her son Aaron and daughter CaraLee to the program.

“I like to participate in what the church is doing here in the community,” she said. “Last week Aaron made a fossil. He carried it around with him everywhere all week and took it to bed with him.”

But the Hillyard program is about more than art and animals.

“We emphasize a safe environment - no name calling, no pushing, no shoving. We focus on common courtesy like listening and showing respect,” counselor Lisa Woolsey said. “We need activities like this for community kids - things that are safe and free.”

After mingling with the animals, the kids were invited to recreate their favorites in crayon. Big sheets of paper covered the lawn like white tiles. Various interpretations of llamas and chickens appeared in original hues.

As Wokasch walked around, taking pictures of the children, crayon drawings, pony and popsicles, she smiled.

“We’re trying to create happy memories,” she said, “because some of these kids don’t have any.”