At our most recent Kiwanis Club of Coeur d’Alene meeting, we were honored to welcome Vicki Scribner, Executive Director of Open Arms Real Choices Clinic, as our guest speaker. Vicki shared an inspiring overview of the organization’s mission and the meaningful impact it is making throughout North Idaho.

Open Arms is a fully donor-supported, family-centered organization dedicated to supporting mothers, fathers, and children through a wide range of services—all offered at no cost to clients. With a growing team of 17 staff members and more than 50 volunteers, the organization provides close to 2,000 client visits each year, delivering both practical resources and personal encouragement to families navigating pregnancy and early parenthood.

Their services extend far beyond basic assistance. Open Arms offers free pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, certified lactation consulting, child development screenings, along with essential items such as car seats and pack-n-plays, a boutique where families receive baby items free of charge, and a strong emphasis on education and personal development. Programs include parenting classes, support for single mothers, and a new moms group that fosters connection, encouragement, and community. As highlighted in their materials, the organization is committed to providing “lab-quality pregnancy testing, options counseling, parenting classes, and early child development support”.

One of the most exciting developments Vicki shared is a growing focus on engaging fathers. Their new initiatives—including the “Diaper Dads” program—emphasize responsibility, involvement, and the critical role fathers play in strong, healthy families. This intentional outreach reflects Open Arms’ holistic approach to strengthening the entire family unit.

Open Arms operates with a clear mission to provide compassionate care, practical support, and life-affirming resources to those in need. As noted in their handout, they aim to “empower people to make life-affirming choices through education, compassion, and pregnancy-related services” .

We are grateful to Vicki for sharing the story of Open Arms and for the important work her organization is doing in our community. Their commitment to serving families with dignity, care, and support is truly making a difference.

For more information on how you can volunteer or partner with Open Arms, click Here.

Photograph: Vicki Scribner (left) and Jeannie Nugent

Our Club was honored to welcome Theresa Hart, Executive Director and Founder of Newby-ginnings, as the guest speaker at our April 15, 2026 meeting.

Newby-ginnings of North Idaho was established in October 2013 to honor the memory of SPC Nicholas Newby, who was killed in action in Baghdad, Iraq, on July 7, 2011. Their mission is to support Veterans, Active Duty Military, and Gold Star Families by providing essential personal and household items—along with guidance and referrals—all at no cost.

Theresa shared the story of the organization’s beginnings and its remarkable growth over the years. At its core, Newby-ginnings operates much like a large thrift store—without price tags—where eligible individuals can “shop” for items they need. But its impact goes far beyond that. The organization also provides critical resources, support, and a welcoming sense of community for those it serves.

Newby-ginnings partners with numerous local retailers, charitable organizations, and community supporters, and operates without government funding. Despite having just three employees, the organization thrives thanks to the dedication of a large volunteer base. Today, they serve approximately 200 families per day and have more than 7,500 Veteran families enrolled in their program.

As the organization has grown, so has the need for space. Newby-ginnings is currently operating well beyond the capacity of its 9,000-square-foot facility. Plans are underway to relocate to a 20,000-square-foot building—targeted for June or July—which will significantly expand both their “retail” area and, just as importantly, provide enhanced community space for Veterans and their families to connect and support one another.

The Club extends its sincere thanks to Theresa for her years of dedicated service to our community. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with her and the entire Newby-ginnings team.

Photograph: (left to right) Freda Campbell, Theresa Hart, Mike Lane (Club President)

Bill White from the Kootenai Technical Education Campus (KTEC) joined us at our April 8 meeting to share an update on the campus’s programs and recent developments.

KTEC is a dynamic partnership between business and industry leaders, local school districts, and regional manufacturers. The campus provides tuition-free, industry-level training for high school juniors and seniors, offering dual enrollment credits, industry certifications, and a practical pathway to career success through applied, hands-on learning. Students can explore a wide range of technical fields, including automotive repair, healthcare, welding, and residential construction. A recently introduced plumbing program has already proven to be especially popular. Many KTEC programs also offer credit that counts toward apprenticeship requirements, giving students a strong head start as they enter the workforce.

KTEC serves students from eight local public high schools in three districts, as well as private and homeschooled students. Demand for enrollment has historically exceeded capacity, often resulting in long waiting lists. In response, the KTEC Board recently approved a schedule change that has increased student capacity by approximately 30%—from about 580 to nearly 800 students annually.

KTEC continues to play a vital role in strengthening our local workforce by preparing students with the practical skills and certifications needed to succeed in high-demand careers—benefiting both the students and the broader North Idaho community.

Photograph: (left to right) Jim DeShazer, Bill White (KETC), Matt Palmer (Treasurer), Mike Lane (President)