Sandpoint-based nonprofit honored

SANDPOINT ­— Linnis Jellinek sums it up perfectly: “We’re the place to turn when you don’t know where to turn.”

Jellinek, executive director of Sandpoint Community Resource Center, says the nonprofit assists with multiple causes, but has just one mission: to provide direction and assistance to those who can’t help themselves.

“We help people connect with resources when they are in need of crisis,” she says.

And indeed, they do.

From coaching people on financial matters, to providing direction on paying delinquent bills, to offering rides to medical appoints, SCRC is the assistance epicenter for those in need. The organization is the go-between that connects those in need with those who can help.

The organization’s work has not gone unnoticed. Recently celebrating its 10-year anniversary, SCRC was honored as one of three North Idaho firms to be recognized as part of Idaho Philanthropy Day.

The event recognized “amazing philanthropic work of nonprofit organizations, foundations, businesses, and individuals nominated by their peers.”

Jellinek beamed at the recognition. “There are 303 nonprofits in Sandpoint and 150 are actively fundraising, so for us to be selected is something special,” she said.

Over the years, SCRC has created a community of over 400 service providers committed to helping out in a wide range of areas related to mental health, substance abuse, housing, health care and medical assistance.

“We (SCRC) are the hub; the ones keeping track of the services for people in need,” Jellinek says. “Besides our primary purpose of helping those in need, we were nominated because of our work with other nonprofits and they see us as a gateway of help.”

In the process of helping others, SCRC also inspires, Jellinek said.

“We had a deaf man who needed help listening to messages to make doctors’ appointments and we provided the resources for the hearing impairs,” she said. “He was so impressed that when he left, he went out to volunteer in the community. It’s amazing the variety of calls we get.”

Jellinek said SCRC got started a decade ago with two men on their cellphones.

“Our founders saw a veteran living in his car and wanted to find him the resources to connect with the right people to get him on his feet,” she said. They did.

While proud of the accomplishments SCRC has made since that time, Jellinek is quick to applaud the community for the organization’s success.

“SCRC is an extension of every single generous person who lives here,” she said.