Matthew Draxton
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Better Together Central Oregon, a nonprofit focused on connecting communities and advancing opportunities for children, youth and families, announced its transition to full operational independence. This milestone, taking effect June 30, 2026, involves concluding a long-standing operational memorandum of understanding with the High Desert Education Service District. The organization will now manage its own operations, staffing and infrastructure across Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson Counties and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.
Better Together became an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2015. For over a decade, the organization has served as a backbone entity, bringing together diverse community members and systems in a region encompassing more than 67,000 children and youth. The High Desert Education Service District had previously served as the employer of record and a professional home for Better Together’s staff.
Since its founding, Better Together has evolved from a vision of collaborative K–12 support into a regional anchor organization. It convenes workgroups, supports youth leadership and connects families with resources and opportunities.
In fiscal year 2024–25, Better Together hosted a 10-Year Celebration and Vision Summit with more than 150 community partners. The organization stewarded nearly $2 million through fiscal sponsorships supporting seven community-rooted organizations. It also engaged more than 500 families and young leaders through eight regional Family and Youth Councils. Programs sponsored by Better Together impacted more than 4,585 youth and 619 adults across the region. Additionally, it facilitated four active convening groups that bring leaders together to drive coordinated, community-led action in priority areas: early learning, housing and education, youth voice and Latinx success.
Gabriela Peden, executive director of Better Together Central Oregon, stated that this moment has been years in the making. “Operational independence gives us the ability to fully align how we work with what we believe, which is that communities are stronger when people come together,” Peden said. “Our mission, our relationships and our commitment to the people of Central Oregon are not changing. What changes is our capacity to sustain and deepen that work for the long term.”
Carlos Salcedo, board chair of Better Together Central Oregon, commented on the organization’s responsiveness to the communities it serves. “Better Together has always been shaped by the communities it serves — and this next step reflects that strength,” Salcedo said. He also expressed gratitude for the partnership with HDESD. “We are deeply grateful for the partnership with HDESD that supported an important chapter of our development. And we move forward with confidence, grounded in relationships built over more than a decade and guided by an unwavering commitment to the people and communities of Central Oregon.”
As part of establishing independent operations, Better Together will begin directly operating Juntos Aprendemos, one of its signature programs. Aprendemos is a Spanish-language family engagement initiative launched in 2018 through the leadership of Better Together’s Latinx Success Workgroup. Since its launch, the program has been operated by HDESD in partnership with Better Together. Beginning July 1, 2026, Better Together will directly operate the program and maintain its core model and commitment to serving Spanish-speaking families across the region.
Better Together extended its gratitude to HDESD for its role as a catalyst and early champion for developing cradle-to-career partnerships in Central Oregon. HDESD also served as a fiscal and operational partner since 2015. The two organizations anticipate continued collaboration in service of shared community priorities.
Better Together will continue to share updates with partners, funders and community members as the transition progresses. To learn more, an impact report for 2024–25, organizational history and supporting materials are available at bettertogethercentraloregon.org/news. Media inquiries can be directed to Peden at gabriela@bettertogetherco.org or (541) 745-4355.
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