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Our mission is to improve the quality of life for children, youth and families through an array of educational and social services within the framework of Dr. King's vision of equal respect, treatment, and accessibility for all people.

Description:
The Martin Luther King Jr. Family Outreach Center (the Center) believes in helping families to improve their quality of life by treating the whole family in a holistic, complete approach.

We don't just give a hand out to families, but we seek to teach, educate, and give families the resources to make long-lasting life changes that will empower them to be self-sufficient.

History:
The Center has served the needs of impoverished, underserved, disadvantaged children, youth, and families in the Spokane community for over 30 years.

We are a private, non-profit organization incorporated in 1970 by individuals concerned about the safety and well-being of youth in Southeast Spokane.

Contact people:

Austin DePaolo, Executive Director, (phone), (email) Shelley Mattozzi, Supervised Visit Coordinator, (phone) Jeani-Liz Joyce, Executive Intern, (phone)

Address:

845 S. Sherman Ave. Spokane, WA 99202 (See a map)

Web Site: None specified

Directions:

Head South on Division, make a left onto Third. Travel east on Third to Sherman, making a right on Sherman. Travel South on Sherman to 8th. We are located on the corner of 8th and Sherman.   Nearest Bus Stop: Around the corner, 3-5 minute walk

Overall Experience   
A rewarding and empowering experience

I began working at the Martin Luther King Jr. Family Outreach Center in October not really knowing what to expect. I chose to volunteer with this organization because I enjoy working with children and may eventually go into elementary education. I could not be more pleased with my decision to get involved with this wonderful organization. I have personally benefited greatly through both experience that can help on my potential career path and through the joy of interacting with the kids. Far and away the most rewarding aspect of working at the MLK Center has been building relationships with the individual kids in the program. Since I have helped at the F.A.M.E. program once a week for a number of months, I have had the opportunity to get to know many of the students quite well. Working with these kids has been an inspiring and often challenging experience. It has truly been a joy to have opportunities to tutor, play with, and sometimes simply listen to youth of varied backgrounds. I have loved seeing these kids grow and mature this year as well. Working with the same group of students for an entire year has allowed me to see their progress in both social and educational arenas. Several students who began the year struggling with basic reading and math skills are now thriving in these areas. Other students have made strides socially now interacting with increased ease with their peers and teachers. I have noticed remarkable change in a few kids who have matured in their ability to articulate thoughts and feelings knowing they will be given support and encouragement. I am convinced that the MLK Center played a definite role in the progress of these children. Students are offered incredible support in both educational pursuits and in helping them develop self-worth, confidence in their abilities, and respect for those around them. Knowing that I played even the slightest role in the growth of these children’s lives is both incredibly rewarding and wonderfully empowering. Watching the maturation of these children has confirmed in my own mind the importance of the programs the MLK Center offers. The Center provides these children with a positive and stimulating environment with supervision, creative activities, learning, tutoring, and friends. I also think the kids benefit greatly from interacting with kids from a variety of cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic groups. Such interaction early in life can pave the way for these young people to grow into aware and tolerant adults. I would encourage anyone considering volunteering in the Spokane community to help at the MLK Center. From first-hand experience, I can attest to the impact working with kids through this organization had on me. posted on May 20, 2006