A nonprofit here that recruits, trains, and supports volunteers who tutor and mentor foster and adoptive children has received a $2,000 grant in the first round of 2010 quarterly grants from the Avista Foundation.

The nonprofit, Olive Crest, was among six organizations here to receive grants in the first quarter from the foundation, which is affiliated with Spokane-based energy company Avista Corp. In all, those organizations received nearly $15,000, the foundation says.

Carol Plischke, area director for Olive Crest, says, "The majority of the foster children we see have encountered abuse, neglect, and other challenges in their short lives. They are often behind in school and need the direct support a tutor or mentor can provide, not only to keep up with their studies, but to eventually graduate from high school."

The other organizations here to receive first-quarter grants from the foundation include St. Vincent de Paul, Mid-City Concerns, Lilac Services for the Blind, Community Frameworks, and Center Pointe.

The Avista Foundation was started in 2002 and provides grants to organizations in the communities that Avista Utilities serves.