BIG DREAMS IN MILLWOOD
Most passers-by don’t give the old Millwood Post Office on Euclid Avenue a second look, but a group of people has big dreams for the small brick building.
Millwood Community Presbyterian Church has owned the property for several years. Roger Crawford, a retired business owner, and member of the church, proposed a plan to renovate the old post office and create a youth center for the community.
“Kids don’t like to join churches much, but they need a place to hang out. A place where they can stomp their feet and yell,” Crawford said.
Pastor Craig Goodwin agreed. The church is already working with Spokane Valley Young Life to reach out to kids in the West Valley area. “Too often the church separates off from the community,” he said.
Ian Cooley, a Young Life Church partner, recently moved to the Millwood neighborhood, and noticed there was no place for teens to gather.
“The kids can’t wait for a place like this to open,” he said. “They look forward to having a place to call their own.”
The volunteer team headed by Crawford recently received its building permit. Architectural plans hang from a white board filled with encouraging messages from kids eager to see the project completed. The goal is to create a space that can be used in a variety of ways.
Crawford has a passion for Young Life. His own grandchildren have been profoundly affected by the group. He’s glad to know that Young Life plans to host its meetings here, as well as meetings of Capernaum, the club for students with special needs.
Dave Milliken, program director for the Hutton Settlement, is another partner eager to help with the youth center.
“This project is a link with our SALUTE program (Service And Leadership United Through Education), and the community.” The kids at Hutton are going to help construct the facility and later work with youth at the center, as mentors or homework helpers.
Milliken said, “These kids have been the recipients of services, and now get to be givers. It’s great for their self-esteem.”
Eventually, organizers would love to see vocational training, and other services offered at the youth center.
Pastor Goodwin said, “My sense of West Valley is that it’s a distinct district without distinct resources.”
For now, volunteers are hoping to create a warm, safe place where caring adults can be part of kids’ lives.
“The sky is the limit when the community’s involved,” said Goodwin.