Future Home of PSNI -

PSNI's Future Home

The Future Home of Panhandle Special Needs Inc.

As the only adult developmental disability services agency in Bonner and Boundary counties, Panhandle Special Needs Inc. (PSNI) is a cornerstone of support for individuals with disabilities and their families. Our life skills and employment programs are designed to empower individuals to achieve their highest levels of independence, while also offering a vital safety net for families navigating the challenges of adulthood.

Transitioning from the structured environment of high school to adult life can be a daunting experience for individuals with disabilities and their families. Our adult services are essential in providing the training, support, and guidance needed to make this transition as smooth and successful as possible.

How We’ve Grown:

Over the past two decades, we have experienced remarkable growth, expanding from an average yearly enrollment of 25 clients to approximately 200, and from a team of three employees to over 40.

Despite this growth, demand for our services continues to outpace our capacity – with 45 individuals currently on our waiting list. This number could rise to 80 individuals within the next five years if we remain in our existing facility (a projection not adjusting for the growing population in the communities we serve).

What We’re Doing:

The nearest provider offering services and support like PSNI is 46 miles away, making it crucial for us to expand to continue meeting the needs of our community.

To do this, we’ve taken a significant step forward: we’ve purchased land and are actively working toward a new facility that can accommodate both our current clients and the increasing demand for our services.

Simply put, we need to expand to ensure that every individual who seeks our help can receive the support they need to thrive. And we’re committed to making that happen.

Volunteer Opportunities

Interested in becoming part of the team? We would love to talk to you about volunteer opportunities. Whether you enjoy organizing, customer service, or simply being part of a fun and rewarding environment, there’s a place for you here. Volunteering at Panhandle Special Needs Inc. is a fantastic way to give back to the community while making new friends.

Address:
1424 North Boyer Avenue,
Sandpoint, ID

Phone:
208.263.7022

PSNI has partnered with North Root Architecture to consider our future site and building design.

The design of this facility emphasizes accessibility and physical inclusion, ensuring that it accommodates individuals of all types and abilities. A simple, intuitive layout will facilitate ease of movement between spaces, fostering a cohesive, campus-like environment that encourages connection and engagement. The building will maximize natural daylight, supporting both focus and overall well-being for staff, clients, and visitors.

Energy efficiency is central to the project, not only to minimize environmental impact but also to reduce long-term operational costs, ensuring sustainability for decades of use. The internal spaces are designed with modern flexibility in mind, allowing for dynamic programming and the evolving needs of PSNI. The design also prioritizes fostering a sense of community and strengthening client relationships, ensuring that the facility is both functional and welcoming.

Other Considerations:

Walkable access to services and parks within the neighborhood
Attractive public-facing building that orients to the street
Long building axis oriented to the south to improve daylighting and avoid glaring sunlight
Insulating from obtrusive neighboring sounds
Future expansion of the facility

Donate

Your donation to Panhandle Specials Needs Inc. keeps funds in our community

Thank you for considering a donation to Panhandle Special Needs Inc. (PSNI). All money donated goes directly to our Sandpoint facility where we serve over 200 individuals with disabilities per year through a variety of independent living skills and vocational training programs.