This past weekend, VOA proudly participated in our local Pride parade to show support for our LGBTQIA+ community. It was a joyous and colorful celebration of love, equality, and diversity. We were especially thrilled to have some of our Crosswalk kids marching alongside us and our families. Their presence highlighted our commitment to fostering inclusivity and providing a supportive environment for all young people. Together, we marched with pride and solidarity, advocating for and uplifting the voices of the LGBTQIA+ youth in our community. Fun fact: VOA was one of the first shelters in Spokane to accept all identifying genders!

In other news, the outcome of our annual Give & Gather campaign. . . drumroll. . . thanks to our AMAZING DONORS and community restaurant partners, we humbly collected almost $18,000! Our hearts are overflowing with gratitude.

2024 Crosswalk Grads!

The program has 15 graduates this year, and we've seen some of the highest test scores EVER! Three of our current graduates will attend Spokane Community College pursuing various trades and their AA degrees. We have one student who will be attending college for pharmacy technician certification, a 16-year-old enthusiastic about becoming an electrician, and a few who are looking to join the workforce. Crosswalk has a scholarship program that will propel the youth forward into successful futures. Let's give our graduates a big hand for all their perseverance! We can't wait to see what's next for these amazing individuals! Congratulations!

Kat Kelly - We had a guest return to the shelter right after suffering a sexual assault. Kat Kelly immediately offered to drop everything and come provide therapy for our guest, at 9pm at night in a program Kat isn't even responsible for. This was pure above and beyond, out of the goodness of Kat's heart. It meant the world to our guest that, at the worst time in her life, a stranger cared enough to offer to come help her immediately. It also meant the world to our team and to me, as having a way to get our client help at the level, they need reduces the secondhand trauma we experience. Thank you, Kat- you truly embody the mission of helping people who need it the most, giving heart and soul to this work, and being a team player to the whole agency.