After much discussion in 2008, Snoqualmie Valley’s teen health center never got off the ground.

But efforts to care for needy teens’ mental and physical health are moving forward at Two Rivers School, thanks in part to funds from the city of Snoqualmie.

Snoqualmie will provide $7,500 in funds in 2008 to the Two Rivers program, which fills the role of a health center for youth at the school.

“The need is still there,” Two Rivers Principal Tom Athanases said. “It goes way beyond Two Rivers.”

Last Monday, Dec. 14, Athanases told Snoqualmie council members that growing numbers of teens in the Valley are without jobs or permanent homes, “couch-surfing” from residence to residence.

“What sticks out the most is that 38 percent of our students are on free or reduced lunch (program),” Athanases said. “Three years ago, that number was 25 percent.”

Qualification for free or reduced lunch is one measurement of the poverty level, the principal added.

The new program would provide mental and physical services for Two Rivers students.

“Glasses, teeth, getting them to the doctor when they can’t afford to go, those are the things we’ve done so far.” Athenases said.

For Athanases, healthier teens ultimately make better, more motivated students. Unhealthy teens don’t come to school.

While the program is only in its infancy — there is no budget or official name for it yet — financial support has come from individuals for Two Rivers’ effort. Snoqualmie is the first agency to provide funds for it.

While ultimately agreeing to fund the program out of their Human Services budget, Snoqualmie council members raised questions about how many Snoqualmie teens might be served by the program.

Several council members also urged Athanases to build meatier support and more partnerships for the health program.

“You really need to expand to other government agencies,” said coucilman Charles Peterson.

Two Rivers must submit reports to the council about the progress of the program. Council members believe that supporting the program will allow Twin Rivers to build a foundation and track progress, so that the school would have a record to present to other governments and agencies for funding in the future.