Mission, Vision
& History

Our Mission

Enriching seniors’ lives through advocacy, diverse programming, and wellness and nutrition opportunities.

 

Our Vision

Seniors West of the Tetons envisions a future where seniors are engaged, supported and thriving

Our History

Seniors West of the Tetons traces its roots back to 1979, when a group of residents decided to
create a nonprofit for seniors. They filed Articles of Incorporation with the state, and the group –
Senior Citizens of Teton County Inc. – was born.

Initially, food was the attraction. The group served meals in the American Legion Hall in
Driggs, and the line would begin forming 30 minutes ahead of time. The Board often discussed finding a building of its own, but that wouldn’t happen for almost three decades.

In 2007, the City of Driggs purchased the old Broulim’s supermarket and began converting it
into a City Center. Several nonprofits were offered space in the building. The seniors’ group was given a 99-year lease for the incredible low price of $1 a year, and the group began securing grants and community support to turn the empty space into a dining room, kitchen and offices.

The first meals were served in December 2007 in the new facility, and it was time for a new
beginning. In fact, the organization became known as “Seniors West of the Tetons” to differentiate
itself from the seniors group on the eastern side of the mountains with the same name.

SWOT, as the group became known, has grown to keep up with the demand for senior services
and community support has increased to help meet the need. The COVID-19 pandemic slowed
things for a while, but at this point, there was no stopping SWOT.

Exercise classes are filled, some with 20 to 30 seniors, for Fit & Fall Proof, Tai Chi, Yoga
classes and rhythmic drumming. Enrichment programs help seniors deal with ever-evolving
technology and discuss that often taboo subject of death. Regular clinics check blood
pressure and provide flu shots. Social activities include bridge, mahjong and bingo. There were art classes and field trips to Jenny Lake, the BYU Planetarium in Rexburg, a bowling alley and many others.

Meals again are a drawing card. Tasty concoctions bringing in larger and larger crowds.
What used to be a huge Thanksgiving meal of 70 to 80 now shows up on Reuben Tuesdays
and other popular, regular meals.

The SWOT board and staff continue to work and plan, addressing needs such as a new van,
updated equipment for the kitchen and staff offices, creating a conference room for smaller
meetings needing privacy, securing new tables for safety and efficiency and assessing what
aging adults will need in the years to come to remain engaged, supported and thriving.