DayBreak Center opens in new home

PONDERAY — The third try is the charm for the DayBreak Center, which recently moved to a new facility after outgrowing its two previous homes.

The center, which offers respite for the caretakers of elderly dementia patients, is the area’s sole senior day care facility.

The new location gives the center’s staff and its 14 participants more room and amenities, said Judy Totten, the center’s activities director.

“It’s been great,” she said. “It really gives our participants more choices about things to do. They have the backyard and an activity room and a bigger living room. Some of them like to be outside, some of them don’t, but they have a lot more options.”

The move allowed the center to pick up four new participants, and Totten said there is room for approximately 10 more.

DayBreak administrator Norma White said the response from participants and their families has been incredibly positive.

“They really are happy with it,” she said. “It’s a nice, homey setting. It’s just an awful lot nicer. There’s a lot more room, and they’re really happy with it. It’s really super.”

While all parties are impressed with the new facilities, White said the goal is to eventually buy property for a permanent building to house the center, the Sandpoint Senior Center and a thrift store.

As a non-profit organization, the center is always in need of donations. Beginning early next year, center officials will kick off a campaign to raise at least $1 million for the permanent home.

Totten said the facility is also in need of a number of other items, including a vacuum cleaner, table chairs with arms, patio furniture, a desk, a snow blower and a lawn mower, among various other items.

To donate money or any of the above items, contact Totten or CNA Denise Dombrowski at 265-8127.

Located at 830 Kootenai Cutoff Road, the DayBreak Center is open Tuesday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m.