HEART Program

Family Newsletter

Fall 2024

What is the HEART Program?

The HEART Program is a part of Spokane Public Schools and exists to assist students who are experiencing housing instability with support for school success. Our team is here to help with school registration, transportation to and from school, getting school supplies, making referrals to community supports, getting materials needed for school projects, paying for fines and fees at school, mentorship, and more. If you are receiving this newsletter you have been identified as a part of the HEART Program. If you would like to connect with a team member please give us a call at 509-354-7302 or send an email to HEART@spokaneschools.org.

A Change for Spokane Area Warming Shelters

This winter Spokane will do things a little differently when it comes to its warming shelters. Instead of setting up new “pop up” warming shelters, the city will add cold weather beds to existing shelters. The list of shelters that will have extra cold weather beds is not available yet. Please go to Shelter Me Spokane https://sheltermespokane.org/ for the latest shelter bed availability.

Winter Sports Are Starting Soon!

In order to ensure all participants are able to safely take part in athletic activities at school, an updated sports physical is required for each student athlete. This needs to be done every two years. You can get these done at:

* Your established health care provider.

*CHAS – neighborhood or school-based clinics (may be low cost or free without insurance).

* Your school may offer sports physical clinics at their campus. Please check with the student office or athletic office at your school to see if this is available.

Please print off a copy of the physical form, take to your appointment and have the provider fill it out and give you a copy to bring back to school. Here is the link for the form: SPS_Preparticipation_Physical_Evaluation_Form.pdf

Have fun, be a good teammate and do your very best on the field.

Coats 4 Kids

Each year the Spokane community collects new or very gently used coats through the month of October to distribute to kids and families who need them for the winter months. Coats4Kids distribution will begin at the end of October and beginning of November at the following locations:

· West Central Community Center – 1602 N. Belt St.

o Nov. 5^th – Nov. 7^th

o 9:00 am - 11:00 am AND 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm

· Northeast Community Center – 4001 N. Cook St.

o Nov. 4^th – Nov. 15^th

o Monday – Friday from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

· Mission Community Outreach – 1906 E. Mission Ave.

o Beginning Nov. 6^th

o Mondays from 1:00 – 4:00 pm

o Wednesdays from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

o Thursdays from 1:00 pm – 4 pm

· Partners INW (Spokane Valley) – 10814 E. Broadway Ave.

o Oct. 28^th through Nov. 5^th from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

o Nov. 6^th from 9:00 am – Noon

For outside of Spokane area distribution locations please visit: https://www.kxly.com/features/coats-4-kids/distribution/

Spokane Public Library - The Library of Things

The Library of Things offers a unique borrowing experience, allowing you to try out various activities without financial commitment. You can check out items like outdoor equipment, musical instruments, gardening tools, telescopes, and more. Up to two items can be borrowed at a time, with checkout periods ranging from one to three weeks. Explore new hobbies such as crocheting, playing music, or hiking with a Discover Pass. You can also check out passes to the Museum of Arts & Culture or the Mobius Children’s Museum!!

Check out The Library of Things here: https://www.spokanelibrary.org/libraryofthings/

Spokane Area Food Banks

For anyone experiencing food insecurity we understand that visiting a food bank can be a daunting option. We wanted to share some information about organizations in our area to help ease any worry. These organizations are here to help!

Women & Children’s Free Restaurant

1408 N Washington, 99205

(509) 324-1995

Drive-up Service: Wednesdays 12pm – 2pm

Walk-Up Service: Thursdays 1pm – 2 pm

https://wcfrspokane.org/contact-us-2/

Notes: Provides meals & food boxes to women and children. Registration required before first visit. Complete registration at https://wcfrspokane.org/programs-3/ . Upon first visit, a calendar with food distribution dates will be provided.

Our Place Community Outreach

1509 W College Ave, Spokane, WA 99201

Wednesday 4pm – 6pm

Thursday 10 am – 12:30pm

(509) 326-7267

https://www.ourplacespokane.org/contact

Notes: All are welcome, no documentation needed! Can visit this food bank once per week

The Salvation Army Family Resource Center

204 E. Indiana Avenue, Spokane WA 99207

Monday-Friday

9am – 4:15pm

(509) 325-6810

Notes: no documentation needed, just something to carry food home!

2^nd Harvest

To find a local food bank near you, click the link below:

https://2-harvest.org/food-near-me/

Northwest Harvest

To find a local food bank near you, click the link below:

https://www.northwestharvest.org/our-work/food-access-network/?

Tom’s Turkey Drive

Back for its 25^th year! To receive a turkey dinner, you must register online with a time, date, and location for pick up. Please make sure to register early at: https://2-harvest.org/toms-turkey-drive-meal-sign-up/

Toys for Tots

A program designed to ensure every child under the age of 12 receives a gift during the holiday season. Complete the form at this link to sign up: https://spokane-wa.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/local-toy-request-single-form.aspx

You can find more details and information at the Toys for Tots Spokane Facebook page!

Christmas Bureau

An annual holiday assistance program for families in need of assistance. Families will receive a grocery voucher and children will receive a book and toy.

Location:

Spokane County Fair and Expo Center

404 N Havana, Spokane Valley, WA 99212

Dates and Times:

December 12, 13, & 14: open 10am-2pm
December 16, 17, & 18: open 3pm-7pm
December 19: open 10am-2pm

Documents to bring:

For children (17yrs and younger): Bring proof of name and date of birth, or age for each child. Examples of documentation: birth certificate; insurance card; letter from school, DSHS or day care; WA Apple Health Statement; WIC letter
For adults (18yrs and older): Bring photo ID (for grocery voucher recipient), and proof of current address for each adult. Examples of documentation: Bills; Rental Agreement

If you or your student is in need of support, assistance, or a change in services; please call us in the HEART Program Office at

What is the HEART Program?

Spokane Public Library - The Library of Things

Spokane Area Food Banks

509-354-7302.