CONFERENCE 2008

The 2008 WFAA Conference is in gorgeous Walla Walla this year, home of wine, onions, and a rich tapestry of Washington State history. The conference, held at the luxurious Marcus Whitman Hotel in the heart of downtown Walla Walla, will be October 22-24, and promises beautiful fall scenery.

New state programs, and updated regulations, with a strong emphasis on our changing environment, make this a can’t miss conference. Couple the excellent program with our planned wine tasting event, and trips to the historical shopping district, and this will be a WFAA conference to remember.

Look for a special newsletter this fall with more specific information about hotel accommodations, registration procedures, and a program preview.

We look forward to sharing another year’s success with you all.

Hotel Information
This year's conference will be held at the Marcus Whitman Hotel. Reservations for the WFAA Conference can be made by calling the Marcus Whitman Hotel directly at 1-866-826-9422. Conference attendees must call and mention "WFAA" to be ensured the correct rate of $109.00/night. For more information on the Marcus Whitman Hotel, please visit their site: www.marcuswhitmanhotel.com.

The back up hotel is the Walla Walla Suites, Best Western. It is a block down across the street. WFAA has a block reserved. Call 509 525-4700 for reservations.

Keynote Speaker
Swil Kanim is a world class virtuoso violinist who advocates self-expression to create stronger community. He intertwines his music with storytelling, poetry, and audience interaction. For more on Swil, please visit his site: http://swilkanim.net.

YWCA Women's Shelter
Since 1983, the YWCA has sheltered women who are victims of domestic violence. Located in the YWCA's main building on First and Birch streets, the women's shelter has 13 rooms. Each room has a twin bed, a small night stand with lamp, a closet with drawers for clothing and personal items, and just enough room for a crib or a youth bed if the woman has a small child. Every woman has her own room. Kitchen, laundry, living room and bathroom facilities are shared, and there is an outdoor roof courtyard where moms and children can have much needed outside time that is safe and protected.

In response to the need for safe shelter for women with large families who were leaving violent situations, the YWCA acquired the property on the corner of Birch and Colville streets and converted an office building to a shelter for families in 1998. Depending on family size and family configuration, the Family Shelter accommodates up to 18 people. Bathrooms are more private, but kitchen, living, and laundry facilities are shared. There is a large green yard behind a high fence that provides a place for moms to have fresh air and for children to run and play. The very first family to stay in the Family Shelter was a mom with seven children ranging in age from six months to 16 years old.

Both YWCA shelters are considered emergency shelters, providing short term stays of up to 90 days. Average length of stay is approximately 45 days, though some women stay longer, depending on their needs and their safety. Because affordable housing is in short supply, people are staying longer because there is no place to go. Most people arrive with very little, sometimes just the clothing they are wearing. Though our staff helps them to access social services, there are many things they just can't get easily or affordably, like feminine hygiene products, laundry detergent, dental supplies, and diapers.

Women's Residence and Family Shelter Perpetual Wish List

• Diapers in all sizes
• Baby wipes, baby soap, baby powder and lotion
• Diaper rash lotion
• New stuffed animals - health restrictions do not allow us to take used stuffed toys
• Nonperishable foods like soups, juices, top ramen, macaroni and cheese
• Coffee for drip coffee maker
• Freezer food
• Rice
• Beans - dried or canned
• Feminine hygiene products
• Twin bed-sized sheets and pillow cases
• Toddler bed sheets
• Crib sheets
• Bath towels and wash cloths
• Bath mats
• Dish towels and dish cloths
• Plastic drinking glasses and sippy cups
• Plastic cereal bowls
• Powdered laundry soap
• Bleach
• Dishwasher detergent, preferably cubes
• Food storage bags and containers
• Waxed paper and aluminum foil
• Silverware

• Heavy picnic table for Family Shelter yard

Upcoming Conference Locations:

• WFAA October 28-30 2009 Sea-Tac
• WFAA October 2010 Vancouver
• WASFAA April 26-28 2009 Anchorage, AK
• WASFAA April 18-20 2010 Coeur d’Alene, ID
• WASFAA April 17-19 2011 Honolulu, HI
• NASFAA July 12-15 2009 San Antonio, TX
• NASFAA July 18-21 2010 Denver, CO