PREPARE NOW MEETING

FEBRUARY 20, 2026

6-7:30PM, RENDEZVOUS SUITES, ISU

Introduction - Gesine Hearn, Annie Anderson (President, Poli-Sci Club)

Vignettes of Immigrants in Idaho

Panel with short presentations from:

Deirdre Caputo-Levine, ISU Sociology Professor

Roger Schei, Pocatello Police Chief

Chandra Upreti, Director, Twin Falls USCRI Refugee Resettlement Center

Raquel Reyes, Director of Programs and Operations, PODER Idaho

Q & A

Bridges Idaho

Connecting Cultures and Communities

Connect

Promote understanding and appreciation among cultures, fill needs for survival

A woman in Ukraine illuminated by a Luci Light provided in part by Bridges Idaho

Educate

Sponsor international students at ISU who desire to progress and contribute to our community

Advocate

Connect with state legislators and advocate for the rights of legal workers

Lena receiving the Spirit of Idaho Award from Senator Mike Crapo

Some of our projects

A young boy in the Ukraine in the dark illuminated by a Luci Light provided in part by Bridges Idaho

Would you like to share light with people fleeing Ukraine, DR Congo, Eritrea, Sudan, and other war-torn countries?

Message us to learn more!

  • Bridges Idaho supports travels from Pocatello to Ukraine to bring bread, light, medical supplies, and other survival necessities to people suffering from the war in Ukraine.

  • Bridges Idaho is raising funds to buy a new van for the resettlement center in Twin Falls to drive new arrivals to and from work each day.

  • Bridges Idaho hosted a Prepare Now meeting with representatives from a variety of groups in Pocatello to discuss the current political situation and what we can do to protect ourselves and other members of our community.

  • Bridges Idaho helps obtain and furnish homes for displaced people from Ukraine, Afghanistan, and other countries here in Pocatello.

View our news and events for more details on our current and recent projects.