Friends,
2019 was an incredible year for KIDS Center. We performed 112 more child abuse evaluations than last year while also increasing the amount of family advocacy and therapy provided to families impacted by child abuse. Fortunately, because of our friends like you, we experienced great fundraising success ensuring we have the resources to meet this incredible increased need. Additionally, in the fall, KIDS Center faced what can be a daunting transition for any organization. Executive Director Shelly Smith announced her difficult decision to pursue other interests after 11 years of dedicated service. Shelly’s commitment and passion to serving our most vulnerable children has been evident in everything we do and all that we have become in recent years.
2019
ANNUAL REPORT Helping keep kids safe in Deschutes, Harney, Jefferson, Crook, Sherman, Wheeler, and surrounding counties.
2,156
children, youth and families were served through KIDS Center programs
467
Community partners were trained to identify and refer at-risk youth to KIDS Center
434 (112 more than 2018) 909 child abuse evaluations and consults performed by KIDS Center
93
children and caregivers received healing therapy at KIDS Center
A NOTE FROM KIDS CENTER’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS
adults participated in Prevention & Education efforts
540
families received critical Family Advocacy
Children receive multiple services from KIDS Center. Figures above will not add up to the total number of individuals served.
1375 NW Kingston Avenue Bend, OR 97703 541.383.5958 | kidscenter.org
To ensure KIDS Center remained available to all children and families needing our services, the Board of Directors appointed Robin Antonson as Interim Executive Director. Robin extended the same passionate and thoughtful leadership she has provided to the development, marketing and prevention teams over the last 10 years, ensuring a seamless and productive transition. We are grateful for Robin’s steadfast commitment to KIDS Center and are delighted that she will continue in her role as Director of Development & Marketing, partnering with friends like you to ensure KIDS Center remains financially strong and available to every child who needs us. After an extensive process, I am excited to share that the Board of Directors completed a national search and selected Gil Levy as KIDS Center’s next Executive Director! Gil comes to us with over 20 years of leadership experience in the child and family services sector, most recently serving as the Executive Director with Austin Jewish Family Services based in Austin, TX. Gil has an MS in social work from the University of Texas at Austin, and in addition to his prior organizational leadership roles, he is a licensed clinical social worker in Texas. Gil has worked with and served on a number of boards and is a prior recipient of the Margaret Slack Award from Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, recognizing professional excellence. Gil joined KIDS Center’s team on February 3, 2020. Gil recently shared his initial impressions after his first week as a part of our staff team. “The mission of KIDS Center is so very important, and I am deeply inspired to have joined such a vital organization. I am honored to step into this role and to serve my new community here in Central Oregon.” On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to thank you for your continued partnership. Your incredible support has enabled KIDS Center to help children and families in our communities for more than 25 years! With sincere gratitude and appreciation,
Dave DeRose
KIDS Center Board Chair 2018-2019
KIDS Center complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or age. KIDS Center operates its program, services and activities in compliance with federal nondiscrimination laws.