4Spokane News
community · Saturday, October 17

Vanessa Behan Supports Spokane Parents in Difficult Times

The organization has helped families in Spokane for nearly four decades.

Intimate moment of human connection with hands interlocked over a rattan table, symbolizing support and love.
Stock photo: RDNE Stock project / Pexels. Illustrates the topic; not a photo of the event.

Spokane nonprofit Vanessa Behan has supported almost 150,000 children and their families during close to four decades of service. Parents can turn to the organization when they need a secure place for their children during a stressful period, regardless of the reason behind that need.

Monika Eckhart found that support in 2019 after losing her job while raising Athena and Magnus on her own. Head Start connected her with Vanessa Behan as she prepared for the LSAT. She later worked part time at the law library while enrolled at Gonzaga Law School. Vanessa Behan cared for her children and provided practical help, including diapers, supplies, frozen meals and connections to additional resources. Executive Director Amy Vega said the organization aims to support parents, link them with services and give children time away from family stress.

Eckhart finished law school magna cum laude and passed the bar exam last week. She is expected to take the oath soon for a public defender position with the City of Spokane. Eckhart credits Vanessa Behan with helping make that path possible for her family. The nonprofit’s next major fundraising event is the 23rd annual Pumpkin Ball this Saturday. KXLY’s Robyn Nance and Natalie Grant will serve as emcees, with proceeds supporting additional families across the Inland Northwest.

What to know
  • Vanessa Behan has reached nearly 150,000 children and families.
  • Monika Eckhart began using its support in 2019.
  • Eckhart passed the bar exam last week.
  • The 23rd annual Pumpkin Ball is this Saturday.
  • Funds will support families across the Inland Northwest.

Source: KXLY ↗

Original reporting

Summarized from the reporting above. Read it for the full story.

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