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Children's Waiting Room asks Spokane County for $20,000 to avoid closure

Spokane County Board of Commissioners · November 18, 2025
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Summary

Program director Amy Vega told commissioners the courthouse children's waiting room faces an $80,000–$90,000 funding gap and requested a $20,000 county contribution for 2026 to bridge fundraising while pursuing grants and volunteer recruitment.

Amy Vega, representing the organization that operates the Children's Waiting Room on the courthouse campus, asked Spokane County commissioners on Nov. 17 for a one‑year county contribution of $20,000 to prevent the program from closing.

Vega said the program served about 800 children in 2024 (down from pre‑COVID volumes of more than 2,000) and that a worst‑case budget gap for the coming year would be roughly $90,000. She described a multi‑pronged sustainability plan that includes applying for grants (about $70,000 in potential grants noted), increasing juror donations with a new video, recruiting volunteers and pursuing a Jesuit volunteer placement. Vega said the program's board has pledged reserves to cover an interim shortfall but that the program could be cut from the 2027 budget if outside funding is not secured.

Commissioners and staff asked about other possible funders, including Superior Court (which has limited capacity) and private legal groups; court leadership has signaled support but with a caveat that court budget capacity is constrained. Several commissioners expressed support for the request and asked staff to add the item to the board’s funding list for further consideration.

Next steps: Vega will continue grant and fundraising efforts; staff will evaluate county budget options and consider adding the request to the county’s 2026 funding plan.