A Safe Haven: Vanessa Behan

Photo courtesy of Dorian Studios

Offering a safe space for parents and children in crisis 

By Taylor Shillam

Vanessa Behan was created as a haven for parents who are having difficulty providing safe care and shelter for their children.

Located in Spokane’s East Central, “Vanessa Behan’s mission is to provide immediate refuge for children and support to strengthen families,” says Amber Killengbeck, Marketing & Events Coordinator at Vanessa Behan. “Inspired by the tragic story of Vanessa Kay Behan, a Spokane toddler who died from child abuse, our organization was founded to offer parents a safe place to bring their children during crises.” 

In 1987, Vanessa Kay Behan died at the age of just two years old. A group of Spokane locals responded to the tragedy by establishing the Vanessa Behan organization in a grassroots effort to create a safe place within the community. Vanessa Behan reports they have since impacted the lives of over 103,000 children and their families, providing services like 24-hour childcare for infants and children under age seven (up to age 12 in special cases), parent education, crisis counseling for parents, and referrals to community resources. 

“We assist parents who are facing challenges like substance abuse, domestic violence, homelessness, or simply the exhaustion of parenting,” Amber says. “At Vanessa Behan, children find a safe, loving environment filled with care and security. Parents receive much-needed support, easing their burdens and strengthening their families. This vital impact is made possible through the generosity of champions who believe that keeping kids safe and supporting families creates a stronger, more vibrant community.” 

In 2025, Amber says Vanessa Behan’s focus will be spreading awareness and raising funds to ensure a healthier community. “We continue to see the need for emergency care increase. In 2024, we were forced to turn away over 30% of the requests we received,” Amber says. “Kids won’t wait for us; we must increase our budget to be able to hire qualified, caring employees to care for the children and families that seek support at Vanessa Behan.” 

Amber says Vanessa Behan has the knowledge and ability needed to prevent the unhealthy lifestyles that are seen every day in the community, like substance misuse and homelessness.  

“In caring for children in critical moments of their lives, we can build the healthy brain connections that will allow them to be kindergarten-ready and set them up for a healthy and successful life,” Amber shares. “You can help in three ways: champion this mission, invest in the mission, and invite others who have a passion for helping children and families to learn more. Please visit our website to learn more about giving, volunteering or coming for a visit.” 

Vanessa Behan shares that they are a safe, confidential place for anyone who needs a helping hand in a crisis. They define a crisis as anything that prevents a parent from taking care of their child as well as they’d like. They support these parents in finding the courage to ask for help. For more information, call 509.598.7490 or visit VanessaBehan.org.