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SPOKANE, WASH.
BY KRISTA WILLIAMS –
Breaking new ground in Washington State, Sally’s House, an emergency foster care program, recently celebrated its grand opening in Spokane.
This new Salvation Army program provides temporary emergency care and shelter for eighteen children aged six to twelve for up to 30 days.
The first program of its kind in Washington, Sally’s House is the result of collaboration between The Salvation Army and the Department of Children and Family Services. Its opening drew attention from both city and state government officials and local and national media.
More than 150 were on hand for the dedication. Major Benton Markham, regional coordinator, led the ceremony, which featured speakers including Dick Erb, chairman, Spokane Advisory Board; Senator George Nethercutt (via telephone); Ken Craft, Region I Administrator for the Department of Children and Family Services; and June Shapiro, Director of the Spokane Human Services Department. All thanked The Salvation Army for establishing Sally’s House to address the needs of the community.
Northwest Divisional Commander Lt. Colonel Terry Griffin expressed the Army’s commitment to young people, and its “excitement and interest in this new avenue of service to children.” He recalled William Booth’s concern that the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of children be met.
Major JoAnn Markham, Spokane regional director for programs, offered a prayer of dedication at the meeting’s conclusion. Afterwards guided tours were given, showing the facility’s five large bedrooms, family room, dining room/homework center, two large bathrooms, laundry facilities, offices and supervised visitation room.