STAFF: Our staff members are:
- Rosa Becker, teacher (toddlers/infants)
- Marilyn Blackford, cook/teacher (infants)
- Tara Blackford, lead teacher, preschool W-F
- Katie Bodeau, assistant teacher
- Beth Cassaro, office manager
- Justine Merriott, lead teacher (schoolers)
- Carie Nix, lead teacher, preschool M-T
- Donna Toney, teacher (toddlers, infants)
- Chris Sunwold, administrator
- Nancy Johnson and Willy Stuhlmiller fill in when we have an emergency

FACILITY: We continue to paint, clean and improve. All our staff members enjoy working in a clean and organized setting and we continually strive to have that available. The ROCK restroom is our newest endeavor. The walls have a new look and will also be painted in the New Year and the Tomayko's are providing new flooring. Leo continues to build and fix for us. Hal and Nancy gave us a freezer when the old one kicked the bucket and we are so grateful for all the donations of food, clothing and crafts. We are very blessed!

The playground has a new look. This was a MAJOR undertaking and involved six strong guys, one supervising lady, and lots of tools and equipment. The children love it and it is much safer for them.

INVOLVEMENT: Our learning program is off to a strong start this year. Each staff is involved in the daily teaching of the children. The staff attend an in-service each month to continue learning techniques to teach and train children. Pastor Dave leads all the children in chapel on Wednesdays.

FINANCIAL: We have ended the year knowing that we need to raise rates to cover the cost of insurance (L&I) rate increases, increases in the cost of supplies, and we know we will have staff raises. Rates are being raised February 1, 2003. The minimum wage increases again in January as required by the state.

We have 69 children enrolled, representing 49 families, who have entered these church doors since January 2002 and have been affected by your generosity in providing a safe haven for them. Your positive influence reaches from Spokane to Wellpinit to Davenport and Medical Lake. Emmanuel Lutheran Church is doing a good work of spreading God's Word. These 69 children hear the gospel each day they are here. Thank you for your continued support and prayers for our Child Center.