SANDPOINT - After months of preparation and fundraising, the Bonner Adult Day Center is now in the final stages of initiating its pilot program in a newly acquired downtown facility.

With the goal of offering respite to the caretakers of elderly dementia sufferers, the non-profit adult day center will initially operate two days per week for five hours, hosting up to five participants at a time, said coordinator Esther Gilchrist.

The facility, located at 502 North Second Ave., will play home to the center while funds are raised for a larger, permanent space that will allow for longer hours of operation and more participants.

Gilchrist said she is in the process of finalizing a sponsorship agreement with a yet-to-be-announced group that will supply organizational support and several trained caregivers.

In addition to their ongoing fundraising efforts, Gilchrist and the rest of the steering committee are working to establish a participants bill of rights and an emergency policy, as well as working the kinks out of an array of logistical issues associated with the facility.

Rent and utility costs at the new location are within the group's budget, but Gilchrist said continued support is needed to maintain the center.

Fundraising chairperson Sharon Walton is in the process of organizing several events, which could include concerts and a summertime dance.

For more information on how to donate time, money or household items, contact Esther Gilchrist at (208) 263-0569, or on line at www.bonneradultdaycenter.org