SWOT votes

Teton Valley You’re the Best

What’s the best part of living in Teton Valley? It’s a question that Seniors West of the Tetons asks every month in the Spotlight section of the organization’s monthly newsletter, Valley Talk.

It’s also a question that Teton Valley News asks its readers and the community in the Best Of Teton Valley section. This year, Seniors West of the Tetons is honored to be voted the Favorite Nonprofit, as well as placing in several other categories.

So, the best part of living here?

For most, the answer is simple: It’s the people.

And it was the people who gave Seniors West of the Tetons several Best Of honors this year, and the organization’s leaders are grateful for all that the community has done for it. SWOT is fortunate to have broad public support, not only for Best Of voting, but in so many ways – the cities and counties, major donors, monthly donors, the Tin Cup Challenge, a dedicated group of volunteers, a committed and forward thinking staff and board.

Executive Director River Osborn shares, “Our organization wouldn’t be what it is without the tremendous support we get from the community. Whether it’s volunteers that help with cooking or programming, people donating food or medical equipment, financially investing in our efforts, or just a nice thank card, we feel the love and support everyday. And really, we couldn’t do it without you all – we are so grateful. “

That support enables SWOT to provide advocacy, meals, and fitness and social programming to the thriving Teton Valley community year after year.

Here’s just a few of the things this community helps make possible: • New programs, including Death Café discussions, a monthly Tech Time assistance for seniors,

Personalized automotive expertise that’s family-owned and focused.

Best Auto Mechanic of 2020

additional yoga classes and the launch of Qi Gong sessions. A new program coordinator is enhancing offerings with the help of the executive director. • Popular fitness programs, including balance and strengthening Fit and Fall Proof classes under the State of Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, as well as Tai Chi and yoga. • A new record of $11,000 raised through the sale of SWOT’s popular breakfast burritos at the Teton Valley Market during the summer. Fans now refer to the market day as “Burrito Fridays.” The volunteer burrito team – with guiding forces Ken and Anna Kirkpatrick and a sales force of eager volunteers – makes it all happen. • A ventilation upgrade at the Senior Center to improve fresh air quality, which was completed with matching funds and a grant from the Community Foundation of Teton Valley. • An expanding meal program, with more than 4,300 meals served in-house or delivered to seniors in their homes in 2021 and 5,377 meals served in 2020, including a record of 3,360 meals delivered to homebound seniors. • Additional food distribution through partnerships with the Teton Valley Food Pantry and the Idaho Food Bank. Plus dietary and nutritional information. • Health information and workshops, including hearing screenings, blood glucose testing, flu vaccinations and other vaccine appointment assistance and monthly foot-care clinics. • Field trips and outdoor activities, including Sandhill Crane viewing, walks and hikes, a Driggs Scarecrow tour, snowshoeing, bike rides and clinic, art classes with Teton Arts, and crafts and games such as bingo, bridge and Mah-jongg. • Advocacy and other assistance for seniors through the Area Agency on Aging, tax assistance, Medicare assistance, general referrals, support and counseling. • And more!

It’s a great lineup of services, but SWOT leaders know it’s only the beginning. As for the future, the organization plans to take its cue from the community, adding new programs as needs or wants arise.

“We rely on the community not only for our support but also for direction,” said Anna Kirkpatrick, the organization’s chair. “We know that the people will tell us what they need, and then they will be there to support us as we try new adventures.”

Because, for SWOT, the best thing about Teton Valley is definitely the people.

ABOVE: SWOT Fit and Fall Proof class led by Board chair Anna Kirkpatrick leads a SWOT Fit and Fall Proof class (second place, best way to break a sweat). LEFT: The award-winning burrito itself (second place, best breakfast).

This article is a paid promotional feature. n