Needy Find Help At Spokane Valley Center

A mid the bustling activity at the Spokane Valley Center is an unmistakable air of hope.

As volunteers and staff distribute food and clothing, teach classes or provide emergency assistance, every client is afforded the dignity that says “you matter.”

“These clients deserve respect,” said Michelle Farwell, who manages the center’s Protective Payee program. “We try to be mindful of that in all we do.

“We want to give them hope that their situation can be better.”

Located in a humble facility at 11922 E. First, the center shares space with the WIC (Women, Infants and Children) program and Catholic Family Services’ Volunteer Chore program.

The center, whose mission is “serving and educating the Valley’s needy,” helps clients learn basic life necessities and skills to enhance self-reliance.

Such a need is evident since the center has experienced a 40 percent increase in clients in a year’s time, said Mollie Dalpae, executive director.

Nearly half of Spokane’s residents earn less than $14,000 a year, and 17 percent of Spokane County children live in poverty.

“To young children, poverty means gaps in care, obstacles to development and missed opportunities,” Dalpae wrote in a newsletter. “For many poor children, poverty translates into malnutrition.”

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Wednesday, volunteers at the center’s food bank distribute bags of fresh, frozen and nonperishable food. In the clothing bank, clients browse among rows of clothing and shoes and select what they need.

First-time moms receive a bag of new layette items for their babies. An emergency assistance program helps with utility bills and unforeseen expenses.

The Protective Payee program helps clients pay bills and budget for necessities.

In December, the center hands out gifts and toys through its Christmas Sharing program.

A supportive environment bursting with generosity has earned the center its nickname, “the Spokane Valley Center of Sharing.”

The center is funded through phonathons, fund-raisers and contributions.

Its annual capital campaign, “One Heart, Many Hands,” ended last week, raising $65,000 for program and operating expenses.

The center will also host a silent auction in May, a golf tournament fund-raiser in July and its annual school supplies program in August.

Dalpae wants to meet the needs of more clients this year and “get our name out there.” She hopes to add classes in nutrition, budgeting, interviewing skills and parenting techniques.

She also wants teach clients about their legal rights within a trusting atmosphere.

“There is a sense of safety here,” Dalpae said. “We value our clients and their children.

“They feel that respect and leave with a sense of hope and belief in who they are.”

The Spokane Valley Center has ongoing needs for gently used clothing and shoes for men, women and children, business clothing for women, layette items and household supplies. Volunteers are always needed, and financial contributions are welcome.

Drop off donations at 11922 E. First, or call 927-1153.

Volunteers needed

If you enjoy boutiques, there’s a volunteer opportunity just for at the Discovery Shop at 805 W. Garland, a boutique of the American Cancer Society, which has gently used, upscale items for resale.

Volunteers are needed to work afternoon, early evening and weekend shifts as cashiers and customer assistants.

Shop proceeds support local cancer research, advocacy and patient care as well as prevention education for young people.

For information, call 328-9373.

Consumer Information catalog

Looking for a bargain? The U.S. Government’s Consumer Information Center offers a free catalog listing more than 200 booklets available on a variety of topics.

You’ll find publications on writing a will, buying a house, applying for student loans and understanding federal benefits, to name a few.

For a catalog, send your name and address to Consumer Information Catalog, Pueblo, CO 81009, or call (888) 878-3256. You can also order online at www.pueblo.gsa.gov.

This sidebar appeared with the story: FOSTER PARENTS NEEDED Foster parents are urgently needed to take neglected and abused children into their homes for temporary placement, which can last from a few hours to several months. Parents are reimbursed for basic living expenses for each child they tend. The Department of Social and Health Services hosts foster-parent orientation meetings at 10 a.m. the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 1313 N. Atlantic, Suite 2000. The next meeting will be Jan. 19. For a free informational packet on foster parenting, call 363-3510.