On May 20, 2026, Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre’s Executive Artistic Director Chuck Ethridge addressed the Kiwanis Club of Coeur d’Alene with a presentation titled “More Than A Show: What Professional Theatre Does for the Children of Our Community.” His central message was simple but compelling: the missions of Kiwanis and Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre are not as different as they might appear. Both exist to improve the lives of children and strengthen the community around them — and both have been doing it, in their own ways, for a combined 162 years.

Ethridge opened by making the research-backed case for why the performing arts matter for children beyond entertainment. Studies from the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences and Nature’s peer-reviewed journal npj Science of Learning have found that children who engage regularly with the arts develop higher self-esteem, stronger academic performance, and greater empathy than their peers. Drama training specifically has been shown to improve collaborative behavior — skills researchers identify as among the most critical for success in the 21st century workforce. For children from lower-income backgrounds, access to the arts has been shown to reduce stress, increase school attendance, and improve social outcomes in ways that other interventions often cannot.

What makes Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre’s work distinctive is the breadth of how it reaches children in this community — and its commitment to removing every barrier in the way. The organization’s Musical Theatre Training Institute serves over 1,000 youth ages 8 to 16 every year through year-round classes, workshops, private lessons, and camps, with a firm policy that no child is turned away due to lack of funds. The Summer Arts Enrichment program gives 450 youth per season a fully immersive, free theatre experience — including a ticket to a live professional show, a private backstage tour, and a Q&A with the cast and creative team. Pop-Up Workshops bring professional singing, acting, and dance instruction directly into Boys & Girls Clubs and Shoshone County Schools. And programs like Theatre For All and the Princess Performance ensure that cost is never the reason a child misses out.

Ethridge was candid about the financial reality behind all of it. Ticket sales cover only 37% of what it costs to run the organization. Every program for kids lives in the other 63% — funded entirely by grants, sponsorships, and individual donors. He closed by extending an invitation not for money, but for partnership: “The children we serve today are the artists, the leaders, the collaborators, and the community members of tomorrow. What we invest in them now — in their confidence, their creativity, their sense of what is possible — is an investment that this community will benefit from for decades. We are grateful to be doing that work. And we would be honored to do it alongside you.”

Photograph: (left to right) Chuck Ethridge, Freda Campbell

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)