There is a need… indeed
New Knowledge Adventures (NKA) began its first semester in the fall of 1998 with 12 members and 6 lifelong learning classes, reaching a peak pre-Covid enrollment of 600 members and 135 classes at one point. In 2016, NKA’s nearly perfect space in the “old Blocks Building” became unavailable. Classes bounced from one location to another. This was when members of NKA realized they had to find another space to house classes and became active in finding a solution.
The solution takes shape
A nonprofit corporation was formed in 2017 of representatives from NKA, Snake River New Horizons Band, and other groups also seeking new spaces for their activities, allowing more eyes to focus on the facility challenge and a subsequent solution. In 2019, a nonprofit tax-exempt 501 (c) (3) organization, United Seniors Project, Inc. (USP), was born. USP has identified space requirements and searched for buildings or property suitable for the immediate needs, but also that could enhance the broader needs of a growing population of “seniors” in our region.
Our requirements as currently defined
USP has developed a Strategic Plan of Action and a Business Plan, to define our goals. We are seeking a solution that includes a large parking area, a large lecture area, and a fitness/motion room. Additional classroom space is needed for crafts, cards/games, and woodcarving with adequate ventilation, to name a few.
“I strongly believe in the mission of the United Seniors Project to establish a Lifelong Learning Center that addresses the ongoing wellness needs of our community.”
“This center will be a hub of knowledge, fostering personal growth and empowerment for older adults. By contributing to the 2023 Capital Campaign, we can create a space where individuals can continue to learn, socialize, and thrive. I urge everyone to support this noble cause and help build a brighter future for seniors in our area!”
Kandi Turley-Ames
Founding Dean College of Arts and Letters at Idaho State University
Lifelong Learning Center
The Vision
To enrich lives through lifelong learning and healthy aging.
Our structure
A lifelong learning center will provide space for the Southeast Idaho community to come together to learn, celebrate, and foster the physical, mental, social, and emotional health of participants. As an age-friendly regional center, it will aid ongoing community wellness needs by implementing a wide variety of programs that help keep people productive and engaged throughout their lives.
The learning center value proposition
- Multi-generational partnerships
- Increased health and fitness
- Social support
- Lifelong learning
- Affordable programming
- Community meeting/education space
- Livability of community
- Economic increase
A Gathering Place
Over the course of the last four years, USP volunteers have toured many existing community facilities and reviewed blueprints of others, trying to find a suitable structure. Several of these buildings were promising, but the price of the building, and the necessary remodeling costs made them unattainable. That’s when we expanded our horizons to include building a structure of our own with the desired specifications.
Building a Structure
As the idea and plans for building a structure grew, the where and how remained a question until the fall of 2023. That’s when we identified a piece of property on East Lander between 3rd and 4th Avenues in the historic “Triangle” district and the reality of a facility called “A Gathering Place” began to take shape.
Presently, USP holds an Option Agreement through January 2025, to purchase this property. A majority of the funds received thus far to secure the option to purchase have been donations from New Knowledge Adventures, Snake River New Horizons Band, and AARP members. The purchase price remaining is $357,000, representing our immediate fundraising campaign to complete the first phase in our eventual goal of building “A Gathering Place” facility.
Capital Campaign
Dear Southeast Idaho Community,
Developing a multicultural, multi-generational facility for programs and organizations that enhance the social, physical, emotional, educational, and creative well-being of residents in our area requires wide support.
“Truly, “It takes a village!” We invite you to invest in the United Seniors Project vision of a community facility that will encourage lifelong learning and healthy aging, a place for seniors/retirees to gather, learn, and socialize.
Turning vision into reality: Options have been signed to acquire property for this monumental goal in the Pocatello Triangle District on East Lander between 3rd and 4th Avenues. Already, over $123,000 — a third of the $357,000 needed– has been raised towards Phase 1: Purchase of Land. This is a result of fundraising, including a Sock Hop and two “Dance the Night Away” events, and presentations made by USP Board members to civic groups, the Pocatello Chamber of Commerce membership, and classes of New Knowledge Adventure members, among others. Now we need donors who can boost our efforts even more.
What you can do: Your financial support is greatly needed for USP to raise an additional $240,000. Your help could be amplified by helping USP identify businesses, organizations, and individuals who recognize the potential benefits and can invest in making it a reality. With your help, our committee will contact these people to discuss the vision of “A Gathering Place” facility to expand and improve the quality of life for our growing aging population.
We are truly grateful for your support and assistance.
Sincerely,
Phil Joslin
President
“Much of the population growth in our area has been older citizens moving here to retire and enjoy their golden years. But today’s seniors want more than sitting on a porch and enjoying the sunset. They want to learn new skills, expand their hobby expertise, and socialize with peers. The work of the United Seniors Project is to bring all of these desires under one roof where all these things can happen for seniors in the region.”
Rick Cheatum
Pocatello City Council Member
