The Safe Haven Classroom

Free, on-site childcare for Individuals accessing ywca services in person

At YWCA Spokane, we believe childcare should never prevent a person from receiving the help they need, and we know it is important to mitigate the impact of family instability by protecting children from re-traumatizing situations.

The Safe Haven classroom provides free, on-site childcare for individuals accessing services in person at our main location, 930 N Monroe St Spokane, WA 99201. This includes individuals accessing services within our Domestic Violence Service Center, Women’s Opportunity Center, and any other program that takes place in person at 930 N Monroe St Spokane, WA 99201. Caregivers must remain on-site at YWCA Spokane for the duration of the time that their children are utilizing the Safe Haven classroom.

The Safe Haven classroom provides a quality and caring environment for children. This free service allows caregivers to focus their energy on meeting their personal goals and healing through YWCA Spokane’s services. This free service also protects children from situations that may be re-traumatizing, such as the experience of being in an appointment where a child hears and observes their caregiver talking about domestic violence. 

Health & Safety Adjustments

Due to the COVID pandemic, the Safe Haven classroom has implemented a series of procedures to support the health and safety of staff and families accessing services.

Hours & Accommodations

The Safe Haven classroom can accommodate children who are between the ages of 3 months old and 12 years old. Age-appropriate toys, activities, and nutritious snacks are provided to children in the Safe Haven classroom with their caregiver’s permission and approval.

To schedule time for your child or children to use the Safe Haven classroom while you engage in services onsite at YWCA Spokane, please call 509-638-8107 or speak with the staff member you will be engaging with.

Safe Haven Classroom Hours of Operation:
– Monday: 9 am-noon, 12:30 pm-4 pm
– Tuesday: 9 am-noon, 12:30 pm-4 pm
– Wednesday: 10 am-noon, 12:30 pm-4 pm
– Thursday: 9 am-noon, 12:30 pm-4 pm
– Friday – Sunday: closed

Hours are subject to change depending on staffing availability and holiday schedules. Call 509-638-8107 with any questions.

Safe Haven Classroom Activities Include:
  • An art center where children can choose to paint, color, and create various art projects;
  • A reading area with a variety of books and comfortable seating;
  • A sensory area where children can enjoy water play, sand play, and play-doh or cloud doh;
  • A dress-up area, a baby doll area, a play kitchen, puzzles, and other age-appropriate educational toys.
Conscious Discipline

Within our Safe Haven classroom, just like within our ECEAP classrooms, staff use a trauma-informed approach called Conscious Discipline. This approach supports adults and children in awareness of emotions, self-regulation of emotions, and problem-solving. You can learn more about Conscious Discipline here.

Donations & Volunteers Welcome

The Safe Haven classroom welcomes any gently used children’s items (clothes, shoes, toys) from the community. We offer free diapers, kids’ clothing, and other helpful items for families in need based on the donations that we receive. We are also always looking for caring community members who would be interested in volunteering in our Safe Haven classroom. Call 509-638-8107 or email volunteer@ywcaspokane.org to learn more.

the Why behind the Safe haven classroom

YWCA Spokane’s Safe Haven classroom was piloted in 2011 in response to the demonstrated need for childcare among families with caregivers engaging in services. This need began apparent through individuals directly expressing the need for childcare while engaging in services in person, and through a growing awareness among staff that, without childcare options, too many community members were unable to access YWCA Spokane services. 

According to surveys of individuals accessing services, accessible and affordable childcare was the most significant barrier for women seeking domestic violence and job-readiness services. The Safe Haven classroom was designed to provide free, on-site childcare for these primary target populations. However, caregivers do not need to be women for their children to utilize the Safe Haven classroom. The Safe Haven classroom is available for the children of caregivers of any gender who are accessing services in person at our main location, 930 N Monroe St Spokane, WA 99201. 

Of the caregivers who utilize our Safe Haven classroom, approximately 90% make less than 30% of Spokane’s median family income. Approximately three-quarters are unemployed and about half are homeless. In addition, approximately 80% of children have been exposed to domestic violence, and 90% of caregivers utilizing the Safe Haven classroom are single mothers. To augment their incomes, many rely on aid such as SNAP (Supplemental Food Assistance Program) and TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families).

Thank you for supporting the Safe Haven classroom

It is often difficult to find grant funding to support the Safe Haven classroom. We greatly appreciate those who choose to give in support of the Safe Haven classroom when they are able to.

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