Language, Education and Family (LEAF)
Our LEAF Program provides critical resources for immigrant and refugee adults, youth, families, and communities.
Two simultaneous programs operate within LEAF, so that mothers and their youth can attend together and participate separately. We offer both Women’s Teatimes and a Youth Heritage Language Program. Through these programs, we specifically offer services for Arabic- and Dari/Farsi-speaking (Afghanistan) communities. We also started a Spanish-speaking (Latine) pilot program in June 2024.
Programs at Manzanita House
Youth Heritage Language Program
Our year-round Spanish, Arabic and Pashto/Dari Heritage Language Programs are a safe space for kids to connect to their language of origin, home-culture and each other - building lasting friendships and relationships with the staff and volunteers but, most importantly, with their families.
Heritage Language Classes were originally developed in connection with the Arabic speaking community to address the expressed, growing need for a space where immigrant families can ensure that their children will continue to speak, read, and write their parents’ first language. The classes have since developed to focus on strengthening families, empowering kids to be able to communicate with family members (particularly inter-generationally), and providing a safe space where they can celebrate and be proud of their cultural heritage.
Get Involved
Join a heritage language class at any time,
whether or not you’ve been before.
All classes are FREE
We’ll serve some culturally-relevant snacks and drinks
Your teachers are all everyday members of the Spokane community
Classes take place at the NE Community Center: 4001 N Cook St, Spokane, WA 99207
*There is a bus stop nearby
To Register:
swalters@mhspokane.org | 509-309-8404
“I always look forward to Tuesdays afterschool because I’m really excited for class – I just really like it.”
- Haya, Arabic student
“The most important thing that I’ve felt here at Teatime is that I consider them, here, like sisters; I can speak to them freely and get answers without being hesitant to ask any question.”
- Teatime Participant
Women’s Teatimes
A safe and welcoming space where immigrant and refugee women are given the opportunity to let go of their daily burdens and connect with each other - obligation free.
During Teatimes, women have the chance to access a variety of community resources such as food pantries, crisis childcare and parenting skills - all with the support of staff, interpreters and guest presenters. Teatimes provide skill-building opportunities in financial literacy, youth and family support services, domestic violence/sexual assault and healthy relationships education and referrals, housing assistance, health care access, digital navigation, employment, and more – all to empower immigrants and family members to build brighter futures in Spokane.
Women’s Teatimes is a year-round program offered in 12-week cohorts. Manzanita House currently offers Teatimes three times a week during simultaneous programming for youth, thereby attracting many mothers, grandmothers, and caretakers.
Get Involved
Come to be a part of a community! We can share more about the different services and resources we offer.
FREE to attend!
We value intentional conversations
Women’s Teatime is a safe space for people to build and strengthen their communities
Interpreters are always present
If you care for children who are too young to attend language classes (hyperlink anchor), they are welcome to join you
Classes take place at the NE Community Center: 4001 N Cook St, Spokane, WA 99207
*There is a bus stop nearby
To Register:
