Safety Net Inland NW helps foster youth transition to adulthood with dignity—providing essentials, support, and life skills when the system falls short.

Discover how Send Me On Vacation empowers breast cancer survivors with healing retreats, community, and hope—one life-changing trip at a time.”

Sandpoint Alliance for Equity (SAFE) is more than just the organizer of the Sandpoint Pride Festival — it’s a year-round movement creating safe spaces, community programming, and healing-centered activism. From bike rides to hikes to game nights, SAFE’s most meaningful initiatives begin with passionate volunteers...

Benjamin Franklin once famously wrote, “ In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” At a minimum, all of us end up paying at least sales tax. I’m not sure what kind of nonprofit support exists to offset that reality, but when it comes to the other certainty, end-of-life care, there is relief out there for families. Especially for those walking the long road of caregiving for someone at the end of their earthly journey. The brand new Friendship Station in Sandpoint is designed to offer respite, connection, and meaningful support. Friendship Station is more than a respite homebase; it's also a kind of movement. It’s a practical, local response to one of the most pressing challenges most of us end up facing: caring for loved ones with dementia, brain changes, or complex cognitive needs. Friendship Station emerged following the closure of the Daybreak Center, Sandpoint’s only adult respite program in May 2024, a loss that left a significant gap for dozens of local families. In response, two caregivers with direct, personal experience, in both receiving and providing respite and end-of-life care stepped forward: Elissabeth DeFreitas and Denise “Deni” Williamson. They are on a mission to fill that gap. This initiative is built not just on research or passion, but on lived experience. These women didn’t learn about caregiving from a book, they lived it for years. Deni spent years caring for her highly intelligent husband as she witnessed his mental decline, ultimately supporting him through a dignified end-of-life journey. “I never wanted this gift,” Deni laughs. “But now I want to share it. I cared for my husband for 10 years. He went from a brilliant, capable teacher and pastor to someone who couldn’t be left alone for even a minute, day or night.” Friendship Station is a local expression of the national Respite for All movement. The intention being to support caregivers, many of whom are unpaid, unsupported, and carrying enormous emotional and physical burdens alone. Friendship Station is hosted at Sandpoint United Methodist Church, but it’s not a religious program, it’s a community initiative with a spiritual heart. It’s a social model, not a medical one, no doctors or diagnoses required. And here’s the beauty: no one wears a label. You may not even know who’s a volunteer and who’s a participant. Everyone contributes something. Everyone receives something. Friendship Station is a safe, welcoming space where caregivers and care partners can reserve four hours of meaningful respite. This is not a drop-off program—instead, it's a scheduled time where loved ones engage in connection, fellowship, and fun in a nurturing environment. While their loved one enjoys enriching activities at Sandpoint Friendship Station, caregivers have the opportunity to rest, run errands, or simply take a moment for themselves. “There are over 73,000 unpaid caregivers in Idaho,” Elissabeth shares. “Many don’t know where to turn. Some don’t even identify as caregivers. They’re just doing what needs to be done.” Friendship Station wants to change that. The team has partnered with Jan Griffith, a local caregiving coach who leads dementia caregiver support groups every first and third Thursday at 1 PM at Marigold Café. What makes Friendship Station so effective is that it focuses on relationship over routine. It doesn’t ask, “What can’t you do?” but rather, “What lights you up?” Everyone, caregivers, volunteers, friends, benefits from the simplicity of being present. “It’s a place where we don’t fix, we just are. That alone is healing,” says Elissabeth. Friendship Station hopes to open its doors in mid to late September. Meals will be provided through a partnership with the Sandpoint Senior Center, and programming will run once a week to start. “I used to think my caregiving years were distractions, from my career, my calling, my purpose. But now I know: they’ve been the most important parts of my life,” reflects Deni. That’s what Friendship Station is about: dignity, purpose, love. For the one who needs care. For the one who gives it. And for the community that surrounds them all. Caregiving isn’t something that happens over there. It’s happening all around us. And together, we can build a community where no one walks it alone.

At just 16, Adaline is using her voice and her art to spark change. As part of her Girl Scout Gold Award project, she's creating SHOES, a self-illustrated comic book aimed at addressing the quiet, often unseen forms of bullying in schools. With a mission rooted in empathy and storytelling...

When Julie Bruceri first walked into Priest River Ministries Advocates for Women, she wasn’t applying for a job—she just wanted to volunteer. But the then-executive director immediately saw something in her, and by the end of her visit, Julie essentially had a job. “I just had to check with my husband,” she laughs. “It had been years since I’d worked full-time.” Julie’s background was in water resources—not exactly the path most people associate with crisis intervention or nonprofit work. But her heart had always been in advocacy. Over the years, she volunteered to help homeless women and those affected by trafficking. So when she and her husband moved to Priest River during the pandemic, her desire to serve followed her across state lines. Now, Julie leads the organization as its executive director, helping hundreds of women and families in crisis each year. Not Just Priest River At its core, Priest River Ministries Advocates for Women supports women experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, or other trauma-related crises. And while it’s named for the town where it began, its impact reaches far beyond. “We’ve had women come in from Clark Fork, Kootenai County, even from other states,” Julie says. “We serve everyone who needs help, not just people in Priest River.” Their emergency shelters are fully owned and operated by the organization. They provide safe, private housing for women and families in urgent need. There’s a special space for moms with kids, and advocates work hard to ensure children feel safe and supported, too. “We’re really sensitive to how shelter environments can impact kids. So we do everything we can to make the space feel private, calm, and accommodating,” Julie explains. Advocates not Enforcers Julie and her team are trained to be advocates, not enforcers. That means they support women regardless of their choices, even when those choices are difficult to watch. “You can’t just say, ‘Don’t go back.’ It’s not our job to direct someone’s life; it’s to give them information, space, and support to make informed decisions.” Advocates assist with everything from civil protection orders, custody paperwork, and job referrals to simply being a safe, nonjudgmental person to talk to. Their approach emphasizes trauma-informed care, helping women move from survival mode into a place of clarity and safety. Recently, the team moved their Sandpoint office into the Community Resource Envision Center, joining a growing hub of nonprofits all working under one roof. The move has already improved collaboration, increased confidentiality, and strengthened cross-referral pathways. “Now when someone pulls up, nobody knows exactly why they’re there. It’s helped protect privacy even more,” says Julie. Expanding Resources and Reach But that’s just the beginning. Julie is now leading the charge to develop a resource center in Priest River, one modeled after the Envision Center. They’ve already secured the building and are strategizing and recruiting organizations to fill it—organizations that serve the broader community. Think crisis pregnancy centers, WIC services, legal resources, and more. “A lot of people in our community can’t afford to drive to Sandpoint regularly. We want to bring resources to them, instead of asking them to travel for help,” says Julie. The project is slated to open in 2026 and is actively seeking aligned partners. If the name Priest River Ministries made you think they only serve that one small town, you’re not alone. That’s why the organization is preparing for a name change, dropping the geographic tie to better reflect its regional mission. In Sandpoint alone, they tracked 24 intakes last month, and that’s with staff on site fewer than five days a week. Across all locations, they field over 100 service calls every month, not counting the walk-ins and follow-ups that often go untracked. “It might surprise people, especially in Sandpoint, where there’s a perception of affluence,” Julie says. “But domestic violence, trauma, and abuse don’t discriminate based on income or zip code.” Like many grassroots nonprofits, the team wears many hats, sometimes quite literally. “I’d love for my advocates to focus on advocacy work, but some days we’re out there weed-whacking or painting trim,” Julie laughs. That’s why they’re putting out a call for skilled volunteers, especially in trades like painting, light repair, and grounds maintenance. Here are their top needs right now: gently used kids’ clothing (especially toddler sizes), paralegal or legal assistance (even limited pro bono work helps), skilled volunteers to help with small building projects, and financial donations to support the shelter and expansion projects. They also welcome conversations with nonprofits or service providers who share their vision and who might want to join the Priest River resource hub in 2026. The organization may have started as a small weekly support group for women impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault in Priest River, but its vision has grown. If you or someone you know needs help, or if you're looking to get involved, visit the team at the Envision Center in Sandpoint or reach out online. Your time, resources, or support could help change the course of someone’s life.

Youth theatre returns! LPO Rep & Panida host a 3-week camp for kids 8–17 to shine on stage or backstage. Limited spots—sign up now at panida.org!

When Dawn Merha moved to Sandpoint, Idaho in 1994, she came to open a Veterinarian hospital with her husband. She loved it here and planned to raise her family in relative peace. But years later, an unexpected crisis within her own family would change the course of her life. Dawn’s son was a 19-year-old hockey player when he experienced a sudden and severe psychotic break while living in Canada. Like many families who end up dealing with mental illness, Dawn and her husband didn’t immediately recognize what was happening. “We didn’t have the knowledge or the resources to navigate it,” Dawn says. “It was terrifying. And it took too long to get him the help he needed.” That delay in treatment had long-lasting effects on her son’s recovery. But in the process, Dawn and her family were introduced to NAMI—the National Alliance on Mental Illness —and its local support groups. It gave them something they desperately needed: community, tools, and hope. She got involved, and eventually became the president of NAMI Far North , which serves both Bonner and Boundary Counties. Through her work with NAMI, Dawn began to see an even deeper gap in the mental health system—one that potentially affects thousands of people in the region. While people living with serious mental illness might eventually get medication or therapy, there were no services focused on helping them actually rebuild their lives. From Crisis to Advocacy “One in twenty people live with a serious mental illness that affects their ability to work, live independently, or maintain relationships,” she says. “And yet once they’re discharged or stabilized, they’re often just left to figure out the rest on their own.” That realization led to the founding of Sand Creek Connections , Idaho’s first mental health clubhouse, which opened in November 2024. Based on a successful global model used in over 400 communities, the clubhouse is a non-clinical, community-run space where adults living with mental illness can connect with others, find purpose, and regain the confidence to move forward. It’s not a treatment center or therapy clinic. Members don’t have to meet a formal diagnosis to join, and membership is free and lifelong. The only requirement is a mental health challenge that’s impacting their life—and a desire to be connected with others. Rebuilding Lives Beyond Treatment Inside the clubhouse, members help run the space themselves. From preparing lunch and managing bills to organizing social events and learning new skills, everything is done collaboratively, without a hierarchy between staff and members. Some are working toward rejoining the workforce, while others are simply looking for routine, connection, or a safe place to spend their day. “We try to model what life looks like outside these walls,” Dawn says. “You work during the day, you contribute to something, and then you have community and recreation. It’s simple, but incredibly powerful.” For Dawn, this work is personal. “We were the clubhouse for our kid. We didn’t have the training or structure, but we did the best we could. Had something like this existed back then, who knows how different things might have been.” The need is clear. In Bonner and Boundary Counties alone, up to 3,000 people may be living with mental illness. As the first of its kind in Idaho, Sand Creek Connections is just scratching the surface. The biggest hurdle now is sustainability. Because Idaho doesn’t currently allow Medicaid reimbursement for clubhouse programs—despite there being a Medicaid code for it nationally—Sand Creek Connections relies entirely on grants and donations. A Call for Support and Sustainability “Funding is the hardest part,” Dawn says. “If you break a leg, you get a cast and rehab. But if you injure your brain, you might get medication and then nothing. It’s maddening. It’s discriminatory.” That’s why she’s hoping to rally more community support—not just for funding, but for volunteers, board members, and professional advisors who want to make a difference. NAMI Far North is currently seeking a new treasurer for its board, as well as additional members with backgrounds in finance, advocacy, or mental health. The clubhouse also welcomes volunteers during the day and advisors from all fields—art, computers, music, food service—anything that can offer members purpose, skills, and inspiration. Support group leaders for families are also needed, and training is provided. This fall, the community will have a chance to come together for NAMIWalks, a major fundraising and awareness event happening Saturday, October 4 at Matchwood Brewing. There will be speakers, resource tables, and a community walk, all part of a week of mental health events that includes guest speakers, panels, and collaborations with local businesses and organizations. “There are so many people in our community who need a place to go during the day, to connect, to feel useful. That’s what Sand Creek Connections is. And I’m proud of what we’ve built.”

What do a sturgeon-nosed canoe, a traditional Chinese bracelet, and 1930s timber equipment have in common? They’re all part of the living story of Bonner County — one told, preserved, and celebrated by the Bonner County Historical Society and Museum. Hannah Combs, a former costume designer and the museum’s executive director and curator, sat down with us to share how the museum celebrates and preserves our community’s rich history for everyone to enjoy. Originally from Ohio, Hannah studied costume design and worked in theater before a visit to Sandpoint changed everything. “I thought I’d end up in a big city,” she says. “Instead, I found myself here — and it just felt like home.” Hannah made the move to Sandpoint and found a natural fit in a role at the Pend Oreille Arts Council. Although the transition to becoming Bonner County Museum’s head curator might not seem obvious at first, it was a perfect match for Hannah. Costume design requires detailed historical research, a skill directly applicable to museum work. Now, more than five years into her tenure, Hannah brings the same creativity she once used on stage to the museum’s exhibits, educational programs, and community engagement initiatives. As she puts it, “Costumes were always about storytelling — and history is the best story there is.” While often considered a Sandpoint institution, the museum’s mission covers all of Bonner County. In fact, it was originally founded with board members and contributions from every corner of the region. “That’s something we’re really working to revive,” Hannah explains. “We want to reconnect with places like Priest River, Clark Fork, Hope, and beyond. The history here belongs to all of us — not just one town.” That’s why this summer’s big event, the Pioneer Picnic, will be as much about bringing people together as it is about celebrating the past. Back in 1923, locals gathered to celebrate the rediscovery of the Kullyspell House chimney stones, remnants of the first permanent building in what is now Idaho. That first picnic brought people together to honor the past and share in community pride — and the museum is bringing that spirit back this July. The picnic will take place Sunday, July 20 from 1 to 4 p.m. in Lakeview Park and will feature old-fashioned carnival games like ring toss, watermelon seed spitting, and tug-of-war, as well as hand-churned ice cream, a pioneer kids’ station with grain grinding and butter churning, and tours of the historic cabin and museum. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket and dress in pioneer attire, if they feel inspired. Yes, Hannah plans to be in costume herself. The event also represents a renewed effort to bring all of Bonner County back into the museum's orbit. “Over the years, the society’s focus has become more centered around Sandpoint, but we’re working hard to bring in the outlying communities again,” says Hannah. To that end, local granges, civic groups, and town representatives will host each carnival booth, each sharing stories from their area. Admission to Pioneer Picnic is free but attendees are encouraged to become members of the Bonner County Historical Society if they aren’t already. Membership includes free museum admission year-round, discounts on research services and photo orders, and a monthly newsletter. The museum itself is far more than meets the eye. Though only 15% of the collection is on display at any time, behind-the-scenes efforts include rotating temporary exhibits, digitizing archives, and offering custom education experiences. Teachers can arrange field trips tailored to niche topics like architecture or photography, and homeschoolers can check out “Traveling Trunks” — hands-on learning kits filled with curated activities and materials. The museum also regularly puts out calls for specific artifacts, like missing yearbooks or rare publications, and is always open to temporary loans for exhibits, even if donors want to keep the object in the family. “Most people are honored when we ask,” says Hannah. “It’s pretty cool to have your family’s story told in the museum — even if just for a little while.” Volunteers are a critical part of the process, with around 60 currently helping with events, education, and collections. “You don’t need to be a historian to get involved — just someone who cares about our stories,” says Hannah. And there are plenty of stories to explore. Visitors are often stunned by the quality of the exhibits and the sheer depth of content packed into the small space. “We’ve had people from New York City say this is the best small museum they’ve ever visited,” says Hannah. “It’s artistic, immersive, and every corner tells a story.” If it’s been a while since you’ve stopped in — or you’ve never visited — maybe the Pioneer Picnic will be your gateway. But don’t wait for a special event to explore the museum. With rotating exhibits, hands-on history experiences, and a collection that’s far more expansive than most realize, there’s always something new to discover. Stop in, bring a friend or out-of-town guest, and connect with the stories that have shaped Bonner County. “What I love most,” says Hannah, “is that the more I learn about the history here, the more I feel like I belong. And I think that’s something everyone can take away from this place.”