PSNI moves closer to goal

SANDPOINT — A fundraiser for Panhandle Special Needs is edging closer to making its $15,000 goal, according to organizers.

PSNI has raised $10,500 of $$15,000 needed by July 1, said Circles member Lois Miller.

If PSNI achieves its goal by that deadline, an anonymous donor will kick in another $15,000 of the estimated $30,000 the organization needs to complete an extensive remodeling project.

The final portion of the project involves making its central workspace more efficient for PSNI clients and staff. The large space is noisy, distracting and has a concrete floor that worries staff because some clients have seizure disorders.

PSNI has a number of penny collection jars located around the community to raise money for the project.

Jean Post, PSNI director, said she is amazed by how supportive the community has been of efforts to remodel the organization’s building.

She also believes the organization will achieve its fundraising goal.

“We’re going to make it — there’s no two ways about it,” Post said.

PSNI provides training for developmentally teenagers and adults to prepare them to live independently, to be more self-sufficient or develop job skills for working in the community.

Post said she hopes enough money will be raised to purchase desks and other office equipment for staff and clients.

The yard sale, set for 9 a.m. on June 14, will include the sale of plants being raised in the organization’s greenhouse.

Sale items will include hanging baskets planted with tomato and basil plants by PSNi high school clients, along with perennials.

The event also will include children’s game and a variety of yard sale items, in addition to tours of the facility.

PSNI clients are employed at a variety of businesses in the community. A number of businesses also have agreed to train PSNI’s high school students to prepare them for future employment.