Gem State Developmental Center
Exceptional Service for Extraordinary People

Supporting Children, Adults, & Families

     Our mission is clear – we provide the highest quality of supportive and innovative developmental therapy services to adults and kids with developmental and intellectual disabilities. For over forty years we’ve crafted an inclusive environment for our participants to flourish. We are proud of our history and equally as proud of the quality which we continue to provide for those requiring special care services. 

Our journey began in 1983, with Martin and Rosalie Landholm. Their vision opened the door to the first privately owned and operated DDA in the state of Idaho. That vision expanded into solidifying our place as one of the most balanced and versatile special needs care facilities in the Treasure Valley.

     Continuing with that legacy, in 2019, the Landholms passed ownership of the company to Lori Jo Poole. As a Clinical Social Worker with over twenty years of specialty experience in DD & ID services, Lori Jo takes pride in maintaining the same quality of service and professionalism established by the Landholms. Under her leadership, our goals for the future are simple – we look forward to furthering development and growth in our existing and future relationships with families, advocates, and allies in the supportive care special need community.

We made the decision to be the change we hope to see in the world. Together, our team of compassionate and experienced professionals and paraprofessionals are fulfilling a promise to provide an enhance quality of life for everyone.

Lori Jo Poole, LCSW — Owner/Administrator

Our Services

Adult Services

Children's Services

Developmental Therapy

Assist and instruct individuals with developmental challenges in a wide range of activities for daily living. Goals are created to help individuals achieve greater independence and inclusion in their communities by increasing skills of communication, socialization and activities of daily living

Transition Services for Young Adults to Adults Services

Assisting individuals with developmental challenges from 18-21 to transition from children’s to adults services. This process begins at 17 years old

Adult Day Health Services

Our adult day health services assist individuals to engage in social, recreational and/or healthy activities that benefit participants with ongoing mental and physical stimulation to improve overall quality of life 

Community-Based Supports

Providing assistance to facilitate independence and integration into the community by exploring interests, practicing skills, expanding skills related to activities of daily living, and reinforcing skills to achieve or maintain mobility, sensory-motor, communication, socialization, personal care, relationship building, and participation in leisure through age-appropriate community activities.

Provides children with opportunities to explore their interests and practice skills learned. Therapeutic to their skills in community participation

Family Training and Education

Assisting families that have family members with developmental disabilities to ensure that they not only understand how to give the best care to their loved ones and have the necessary skills & resources. Achieve personal growth & skill development

Behavioral Intervention Services

Using a behavior intervention plan (BIPs) that are Customized to the needs, abilities, and skills of the participant. Using the framework of positive behavior support

Our Mission

We provide all individuals with developmental disabilities the highest quality of functional therapeutic services in a manner which encourages, enhances, and challenges each individual to develop and apply thier strengths and skills for greater success in life.

Our Values & Vision

We advocate for increased opportunities for empowerment through community inclusion and citizenship.

We accomplish this by providing individualized and continual support services which encourages individuals to maximize their skills & strengths for greater independence & positive social behaviors.