PSNI seeks funding help

SANDPOINT - A fundraiser to help compete a remodeling project for Panhandle Special Needs is about $8,000 short of its goal.

Organizers have until July 1 to raise the money - a deadline set by an anonymous donor who is willing to match PSNI with an additional $15,000, said Lois Miller.

This time, organizers have placed penny jars at various locations around the community with hopes of getting the project moving, she said.

Jars have been placed at Super Drug, Gas ‘n Go, two Laclede locations and Monarch Mountain Coffee. If anyone is saving coins at home, they are encouraged to drop off their collection at PSNI, located at 1424 N. Boyer.

Much has been accomplished to improve the PSNI building and Miller said she is positive that this last hurdle will be overcome.

KXLY and Sullivan Homes remodeled the building's kitchen, entryway and bathrooms, while another fundraiser led to the expansion of its job shop.

PSNI trains disabled teens and adults for jobs and develop independent living skills. It also has a contract with Lake Pend Oreille School District to work with students who attend schools in the district.

“But the most important room is that big room - that's still a mess,” Miller said.

The large, open room has a concrete floor and high ceiling that creates not only a noisy environment, but one that concerns employees. Miller worries that a client will have a seizure and hurt themselves on the hard floor.

The open room also causes privacy problems for staff who work not only with the clients, but their parents. It also can be distracting for those who are being trained, she said.

Like many nonprofits, the group does not have the funds to purchase desks designed to train its clients' special needs. They make do with donations from the community - but furniture and lighting designed for their clients are needed, she said.

Women's Circle recently sent out 50 solicitation letters and Miller hopes that will bring in additional donations. Angels Over Sandpoint recently gave another $500 and other people have made donations, said.

“We have to have whatever we can get by July 1.”

A flea market also is scheduled for some time in June to help raise funds, she said.