Pine Villa Book Giveaway

The children of Pine Villa Apartments in Spokane, WA, recently participated in a new program offered by the Neighborhood Networks Center there. The local Kiwanis Club and other businesses partnered with KHQ News' "Success By 6" program to obtain donations of new and gently used books. Through this partnership, the Kiwanis Club donated over $500 worth of books to Pine Villa.

This partnership also runs the Children's Book Bank, which is located in the Spokane Valley and donates books to children ranging in age from infant to 6th grade students. With the donations they are able to give books to schools or other organizations, who in turn give them to the children they serve.

The Children's Book Bank resembles a small library. Karen Heppler, the Neighborhood Networks Center Coordinator for Pine Villa, was able to look through the shelves and select the books she thought were appropriate for the children in the property. Pine Villa also received donations from several bookstores to purchase books for older children.

During the event on March 5, the children were able to select their own book to take home. They were also provided with snacks and juice. Many parents and children that had not participated in previous events at the Neighborhood Networks Center attended, and were very excited about attending future events. The book giveaway was so successful they plan to make it an annual event.

This page is located on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Homes and Communities Web site at http://www.hud.gov/local/wa/news/2006-07-26.cfm.


		Computers Are Not Just for Kids

Can you be too old to go back to school? If you think so, you might want to chat with Barbara Rice. Barbara is a 71-year-old student at Spokane Falls Community College and a resident at Grace Court Apartments, an elderly apartment complex in Spokane, Washington. Laura Cole, Neighborhood Networks Coordinator, recently had the pleasure of meeting her during a visit to the Neighborhood Network Center at Grace Court. Barbara shared her story about how the Neighborhood Network Center plays an important role in her life. Please read Barbara's story below.

[Photo 1: Barbara and Bandit]
Barbara and Bandit

Dear Laura,

After meeting you at Grace Court I would like you to know how the computer lab at our complex helped me. I am 71 years old and after my husband passed away I moved to Grace Court Apartments in Spokane WA. I decided I did not want to just sit in my home and do nothing, so I decided to go back to college. Last fall I enrolled at Spokane Community College to try to get my AA degree in Liberal Arts. Having the computer lab in our apartment complex helped me with my out of class assignments. The coordinators and volunteers here were helpful in making sure I could do and find everything I needed to do my essays and research. It was a godsend. Thanks so much.

Sincerely,
Barbara Rice

Barbara is living her dream of getting her degree. Since this was written, Barbara has moved to another HUD subsidized apartment building in Richland, WA. She will be continuing her education at the Community College in Richland.

Grace Court Neighborhood Networks Center

If you are a resident at a complex that has a Neighborhood Networks Center, participate in Center events, and make as much use of the Center as you can. If your complex doesn't have a Neighborhood Networks Center, talk to the owner or manager about getting a Center established, to help make more dreams come true.

Pine Villa Book Giveaway

Computers Are Not Just for Kids