The Spovangelist

Since 1985 Crosswalk has provided a safe place devoted to “breaking the cycle of youth homelessness”. Over time a suite of services have co-located in their facility, including an Early Head Start (EHS) program of Volunteers of America that keeps young parents in school by providing daytime care for their children. Prior to this arrangement, many moms would have to take their children to the other side of town to drop them off, go to class, and then leave class early to pick them up. Head Start at Crosswalk has been vital to GED success for many young local mothers.

After working with Crosswalk students on a film project I came to know several of them personally. One especially stood out to me. Jamie is a fighter like no other. She was married with a baby at 19, desperately needed a job, and knew McDonald’s would not fit the bill. Jamie relies on Head Start at Crosswalk so she can devote her attention to studying and is on target to graduate this year.

Unfortunately the Crosswalk-Head Start partnership is facing a substantial roadblock. Talk at the Institute for Extended Learning could move this chapter of Early Head Start much more than a crosswalk away. Three miles may seem diminutive to some, but for a teen mom without a car this will mean more time spent negotiating transportation and less time spent on school.

According to the Spokesman, teen mom Katelynn Capps said, “I definitely needed to go back to school, and there was no way I could do it if this place [Early Head Start] wasn’t here.” With Early Head Start, red lights turn in to diplomas for these low-income, hardworking parents. Kent Hoffman, a local psychotherapist and an enduring Crosswalk volunteer argues this:

“… Here’s my bottom line: When it comes to need, not all children are created equal. Some need modest help, some need even more. And then some require intense intervention. The parents and children who have benefited from the remarkable gift provided at Crosswalk EHS often fall into the third category. If Crosswalk EHS leaves downtown, where will they turn?”

There are few things I value more than education because it has the potential to decrease the appeal of crime and increase the quality of life for all people. We’re lucky Spokane has a place that supports students, including young moms. We’re even more lucky to have accessible childcare for low-income families. In Crosswalk EHS we are most fortunate to have these two supports working together to provide a comprehensive and effective service to the very people that need it the most.

Concerned about the fate of Crosswalk? The future of Early Head Start at Crosswalk will be discussed during the next gathering of the Head Start/Early Head Start Policy Council on March 9. The meeting is scheduled at 5:45 p.m. at the Hillyard Center, 4410 N. Market St. Can’t make the meeting? Send your input to Scott Morgan at: smorgan[at]iel[dot]spokane[dot]edu

Tags:   Community · Non-Profits · Young People5 Comments