by KATHY HUBBARD / Contributing Writer
| March 24, 2024 1:00 AM
Bonner County Daily Bee
The bad news is that Panhandle Special Needs, Inc., most often called PSNI (pronounced piz-knee) has recently given notice by the city that their lease, when up, will not be renewed. They must move. This isn’t a small feat.
There’s The Cottage, a unique home goods thrift store. There’s the greenhouse, where flowers abound in the spring, and clever crafts overflow at Christmas time. And, most importantly, there are the classrooms, workshops, business services, and adult day health services facilities where those with developmentally delayed challenges can learn, grow, and thrive.
The good news is that property across the street has been purchased with generous help from PSNI’s loyal supporters and the estate of Phyllis Thurlow, who passed away in late January 2024. The move to 1407 N. Boyer, however, will take time.
“At this point, it is primarily undeveloped land,” PSNI executive director Trinity Nicholson said. “But, once completed, it will allow us to address our waiting list, expand our services, and create a better environment for not only our clients and staff, but also for our community.”
Nicholson said Sandpoint officials are being reasonable about when they need to abandon the current property. Even though the Thurlow estate donated $100,000 toward PSNI’s capital campaign, there is still close to $6 million left to raise. The plan is to immediately start a campaign that will culminate in five years with PSNI having moved incrementally into far better facilities.
“First of all, we need to raise the money to build the new service complex that will be so important for our clients and hard working staff,” Nicholson said. “Soon we’ll launch a massive fund raising drive. We will reach out to the community for support during this transition.”
PSNI is a not-for-profit organization that serves people with disabilities living in Bonner and Boundary County. They currently serve over 200 clients each year specializing in employment training and individualized life skills training. PSNI helps people live, work, and play independently in their community.
