21 Cares for Kids: Highlighting our six incredible community partners making a difference for Central Oregon children
Kelsey Merison
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A warm bed. A caring mentor. New clothes for school. For many children, these simple things can make all the difference. That’s why KTVZ’s 21 Cares for Kids program shines a spotlight on local nonprofits working to give kids the support they need to thrive.
The Assistance League of Bend provides new clothing, shoes, and coats to thousands of local students each year, helping children arrive at school with confidence and the essentials they need to succeed.
“Just to see the looks on their faces when they can go ahead and just be like everyone else, it’s a wonderful, wonderful feeling,” said Dianne Benson, a member of Assistance League of Bend.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon connects young people with caring adult mentors, creating one-to-one relationships that help youth reach their full potential.
“It’s being a consistent adult in a child’s life who just needs someone there to be in their corner,” Jenn Davis, the program manager, shared with us about being a mentor. “Going out and going hiking, or going to the movies, or coming out to our beautiful campus that we have out on 20 acres in east Bend and playing games or seeing our horses. Spending time together.”
Bethlehem Inn offers shelter, support, and hope to families experiencing homelessness, providing a safe place to rebuild and move forward.
“Our mission is transforming lives together through shelter, help, and hope. And the really most imporant part of that line is the together,” said Michael Hancock, the president of Bethlehm Inn. “We serve just under 200 people a night.”
Every Child Central Oregon supports children and families impacted by foster care, providing essentials like clothing, diapers, car seats, and other critical resources.
“What we have to remember is, kids coming into foster care, aren’t making that choice. They didn’t choose to be in foster care. They are our most at-risk youth and we want to continue to bring more resources to them in this hard time,” said Melissa Lovemark of Every Child Central Oregon.
Healing Reins uses horse-assisted therapies and mental health services to help children, teens, and adults heal emotionally and physically.
“These animals are incredible to talk to, whether it’s the goats, the chickens, even the miniature cow or the horses themselves. People would rather be outside and interacting with them,” said Polly Cohen, the executive director of Healing Reins. “On a weekly basis, we (serve about) about 250 (people). And that’s like a little bit of a steady climb as we’re adding more services.”
Sleep in Heavenly Peace works to ensure no child sleeps on the floor, relying on volunteers to build and deliver beds to families in need.
“If they don’t have a bed, we give them a bed. How do we determine if they need a bed? Three things. They need a bed because they don’t have one. They have a space to put the bed. And they’re between the ages of 3 and 17,” said Bob Mickelsen, the interim chapter president.
Together, these organizations are creating brighter futures for Central Oregon’s children.
To learn more about our 21 Cares for Kids partners and how you can help, click here.