SPOKANE, Wash. — It is Giving Tuesday and the perfect opportunity to give back to a resource in our community that does so much for struggling families.
In October alone, Vanessa Behan had 627 intakes. Unfortunately, during that same time frame, they had to turn away more than 300 others because they simply do not have the budget to hire the staff to meet growing needs.
“Our number one need is financial support,” said Development Director Lacey Renner.
“The biggest challenge we are facing is we are tuning families away still. Last year, in 2023, we took over 11,000 calls and we were forced to turn away about 37 percent of those calls. And that is because we don’t have the money to hire staff. That puts a lot of pressure on our staff who are caring for our families and children.”
Right now, Vanessa Behan can provide care for up to 28 children a day. Their goal is to one day be able to take in 60 at one time. To achieve that, they will need more donations.
The nonprofit was founded back in the late 1980’s in memory of a toddler named Vanessa Behan who died after she was the victim of repeated abuse. At the time of her death, investigators found the two-year-old had cigarette burns, a fractured skull, and other injuries. The devastating tragedy led to this resource that has helped more than 100,000 children ever since.
One family who recently turned to Vanessa Behan did so because the mother needed critical medical care. She said she doesn’t have any immediate family in town and was desperate to find a safe place for her babies.
“The first time I used (Vanessa Behan,) I was having surgery,” Claudia said. “As a single parent, I didn’t have anyone to watch my kids. (Because of Vanessa Behan) I was able to get help.”
Please consider making a financial donation to Vanessa Behan by calling our Connect Center (509) 443-1111 on Tuesday, December 3rd from 6-7 AM and again from 4-7 PM. You can also give right now here:
More facts about Vanessa Behan:
•44% of families served were new to Vanessa Behan
•21% were unhoused or living in transitional housing (living in a shelter or motel, or temporarily staying with friends).
•28% of parents utilized services for stress relief.
•24% of parents utilized services for work-related issues.
•70% of parents who use us are single parents
Call 509.443.1111 from 6 a.m. – 7 a.m. to donate!
