FāVS Religion News Roundup: Jan. 3
News Story by FāVS Staff
New Indigenous Children and Youth Services Center coming to West Central
The NATIVE Project’s new $11 million Children and Youth Services Center is set to open in Spokane’s West Central Neighborhood by late February, according to the The Spokesman-Review. The four-story facility, designed by Womer and Associates with Indigenous themes throughout, will expand the organization’s existing community health services that include medical, dental, pharmaceutical and behavioral care. The project marks a historic milestone as the first urban Indian clinic to receive Indian Health Services construction funding.
The nonprofit, which has served Spokane for over three decades, focuses on providing healthcare and prevention services to communities of color while accepting all patients regardless of their ability to pay. The facility features culturally significant elements, including a Kalispel canoe display and a ceremonial room honoring the late Francis Cullooyah.
New Westminster Respite Facility hosts pre-opening open house
On Friday, Jan. 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the new Westminster Respite Facility will be open to the public at 411 S Washington St. for a pre-opening open house. This medically-supported facility, a collaboration between the City of Spokane, Providence, Jewels Helping Hands and Empire Health Foundation, will provide care for individuals experiencing homelessness with chronic and acute medical conditions.
The 30-bed facility is part of the city’s scattered-site homelessness response model and aims to reduce hospital strain by offering recuperative care. The facility will not serve as a walk-in shelter but will support those referred by Providence Community Clinic and vetted through background checks. They are encouraging the community to visit and learn more about the facility and care they will be offering before they open.
Spokane Alliance invites community to Help build a healthy local democracy
On Jan. 14, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m., at Spokane Community College, Spokane Alliance will gather to review stories and themes from hundreds of table talks across the community. Attendees will join research teams, vote on priorities and plan future actions to address local issues. Delegates, members and guests are encouraged to participate. Childcare and interpretation in Spanish and Haitian Creole will be available. Click here for more information.
Pre-filed Washington bill seeks more parental rights for some medical treatments
In March 2024, Washington State passed Initiative 2081, the Parents’ Bill of Rights, giving parents the right to review school materials and access their child’s records. However, Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, believes the law does not sufficiently protect parental involvement in healthcare decisions for minors. To address this, he pre-filed House Bill 1176, which amends the state’s “mature minor doctrine.” The bill mandates parental consent for minors under 17 seeking certain medical treatments, including for STDs and mental health care, and prohibits taxpayer funding for abortions for minors under 17, except in life-threatening situations. Walsh’s proposal faces opposition from some lawmakers and advocacy groups, including the ACLU.
Washington Trust Bank awards three local organizations grants
Washington Trust Bank, in partnership with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, awarded $500,000 in grants to ten organizations in Washington state, including three in Spokane. Excelsior Wellness received $100,000 to support mental and physical health, Thrive International was granted $50,000 for refugee housing and empowerment, and AHANA Multi-Ethnic Business Association received $40,000 for business education and outreach. These funds, distributed through the FHLB Des Moines Member Impact Fund, support critical community needs such as affordable housing, healthcare, and education, especially as challenges like COVID-19 and inflation have increased demand for local services.
YWCA searches for new Chief Philanthropy Officer
YWCA Spokane is conducting a nationwide search for its next Chief Philanthropy Officer (CPO) to lead its mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. The new CPO will build on past successes, guiding the organization into its next phase of growth. The position follows Dana Morris Lee’s retirement on May 30, 2025, after 10 years of service. Morris Lee’s achievements include growing the budget, launching the Forever Fund, and securing key partnerships and funding for critical community services.
New Orleans Songbook performance
The Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center will host “New Orleans Songbook,” a Jazz at Lincoln Center production celebrating the music of New Orleans and Mardi Gras, on Jan. 22 at 7:30 p.m. The performance, led by pianist Luther S. Allison, features vocalists Quiana Lynell and Milton Suggs. It will showcase works from legendary composers including Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong and Ellis Marsalis.
The nine-piece ensemble will perform at the center’s Coughlin Theater, located at 211 E. DeSmet Ave. Tickets range from $42 to $66 for the general public, with $10 tickets available for Gonzaga University students. They can be purchased online or at the performing arts center box office, which is open Monday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m.
New grant helps Gonzaga Prep expand student support including for neurodivergent students
Gonzaga Prep received a $594,000 grant from the E. L. Wiegand Foundation to build a new student support center and three modern classrooms. The center will house the academic success and learning resource centers, providing tutoring, private study rooms, and accommodations for neurodivergent students. The classrooms will feature flexible furniture and interactive panels to support active learning. The funding will cover construction and furniture costs, with both projects’ planned completion in August, enhancing the school’s ability to support students’ academic success.
Moscow People’s March and Rally
A People’s March and Rally in Moscow, Idaho, will take place Jan. 18, starting at 2 p.m., from City Hall and ending at East City Park. The local demonstration, organized in part by Bans Off Moscow, coincides with similar marches nationwide and aims to address various social and political issues, including support for public education, environmental protections and reproductive care.
Rev. Elizabeth Stevens, one of the organizers, said in the Moscow-Pullman Daily News the march responds to concerns about state and national policies, particularly citing the Idaho State Board of Education’s recent decision to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programming at universities.
Join ‘Adopt A Neighbor’
Aging & Long Term Care of Eastern Washington’s Adopt A Neighbor initiative is looking for compassionate groups in Spokane County willing to assist seniors and individuals with disabilities during the snowy season. The initiative seeks groups such as clubs, organizations, businesses, churches, community centers and schools. Individuals interested in participating will be paired with a group. To sign up, contact Adopt A Neighbor at [email protected] or via phone. Click here to learn more.
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