YWCA Spokane Safe Shelter Welcomes Tutor

Mari, Education and Childcare Assistant

Like all of Spokane’s homeless service providers, YWCA Spokane has had to adapt and adjust to additional barriers that have been created by the COVID-19 pandemic. One of those challenges, and something that affects our most vulnerable, was the remote learning return to school in September. In response, we felt it necessary to hire additional support for the youth in the safe shelter.

We would like to introduce you to Mari!

Mari joined our team this month and has been working with school aged kids and their parents in our safe shelter. The results have been great. Moms and kids are feeling more supported as they navigate this new reality and moms are getting a break to take care of all of the things they need to do to stabilize their families.

One Mom who is utilizing our safe shelter said “The tutor has helped me in many ways. When you have 3 kids, doing it all on-line gets difficult. Their schedules constantly change and it can cause issues with getting other things done. I can clean house, house hunt, and make phone calls. I can help my other children with other things. Not feeling all the weight on my shoulders. I can take a 20-minute break to re-gather myself. The kids really enjoy her, it’s not always easy being with just your mother. They get to socialize and I get a break. I’m able to make them a meal without burning it because I am helping with an assignment. I am extremely grateful and appreciative of any and all help she has provided.”

We are so happy that Mari has joined our team and we are so grateful for the support of our community and donors that allow us to adjust our processes and try new things when the need arises. Please visit ywcaspokane.org, if you are interested in learning more about how YWCA Spokane is supporting families in our community and how you can help.