2023-2024 ANNUAL REPORT
MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Hello Friends,
As I reflect on this past year, one word stands out above all others: stability. In a world that is constantly shifting, MountainStar’s mission to foster stability for the children and families we serve has never been more critical.
At the heart of our work is the belief that strong, caring, and stable relationships are the foundation for a family’s well-being. By building trust, offering consistent support, and providing therapeutic services, we are able to nurture the lifelong stability that families need to thrive. Our vision extends beyond immediate assistance—we aim to empower families with knowledge and resources that create lasting change, working together on a path toward a brighter future.
However, as we strive to help families make positive changes, we recognize that this important work is only possible when MountainStar itself remains strong. We rely on the stability of our community—volunteers, donors, and supporters like you—to ensure that our programs continue to meet the needs of Central Oregon families. Whether through generous contributions, hours spent volunteering, or participation in events like Birdies 4 Babies, our community has been the backbone of our success every year. This circle of investment—from our supporters, through the organization, and out to families—is what allows us to make lasting change.
Over the past few years, with your help, we have been able to expand our programs to support new mental health initiatives, open therapeutic classroom sites in two communities, and add staff at our rural sites to focus on outreach and crisis intervention. These services provide critical supports for families and communities across our region.
As we look ahead, we remain committed to fostering stability for both our families, our organization, and our region. Together, we can continue to break cycles of trauma, strengthen our community, and ensure that every family has the opportunity to build a safe, healthy, and stable future.
Thank you for standing with us.
KARA TACHIKAWA
Executive Director
MOUNTAINSTAR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Emi Cornelius
President
Cynthia Rinker, LMFT
Vice President
Donna Mills
Treasurer
Jennifer Mitchell, MD
Secretary
Annemarie Hamlin, Ph.D.
Adriana Hernandez
Mary Jensen
Carina Miller
Margaret Schaus
Lynn Spinoglio
MADRAS ADVISORY BOARD
Jane Ahern
Beth Ann Beamer
Bud Beamer
Glenda Cloud
Stephen Hillis
Tena Jackson
Roy Jackson
Susan Matheny
Kristin Peterson
PRINEVILLE ADVISORY BOARD
Ruth Brumagin
Jennie Coyle
Shannon Edger
Kandy Marling
Linda Pierce
Kathleen Wilson
Janette Wisseman
REDMOND ADVISORY BOARD
Terri Collins
RETURN ON INVESTMENT
47%
Children served by MountainStar remain safe from abuse and neglect.
Annual Cost Per Child in Oregon:
Reported cases of child abuse in Oregon happen to children under the age of six11% are under the age of one.
97%
13%
High-quality birthto-five programs for disadvantaged children can deliver a 13% Return in Investment.
Increased Cognitive Development
Increased Social & Emotional Skills
Increased Self-Esteem Increased Positive ApproachesLearning Increased Emotional Resilience Decreased Behavior Issues CHILD RETURNS SHORT TERM Increased Educational Attainment Increased Future Income Increased Healthier Relationships Increased Physical & Mental Health Decreased Juvenile Justice System
RETURNS
Increased Paternal Attachment
Increased Nurturing Behaviors
Increased Family Functioning
Increased Support Network
Isolation
Parent Stress Decreased Harmful Discipline Strategies
RETURNS
Increased Employment & Earning Increased Maternal Education
Equation
RELIEF NURSERY MILESTONES
MOUNTAINSTAR FAMILIES:
Instances of child abuse increases during times of stress.
The state of Oregon has a threshold of 6 stressors to indicate “high stress.” At MountainStar, the average number of family stressors is 16.
93% of families served live in poverty or low-income households. The most common stressor is poverty
Common Family Stressors
Difficulty Coping (Toxic Stress)
Over 50% of MountainStar Families Report: Mental Health Challenges Experiencing Homelessness Facing Discrimination
Caregiver(s) experiencing abuse during their childhood
304
TOTAL CHILDREN SERVED: Bend - 106 Madras - 65 Redmond - 46 Prineville - 42 La Pine - 36 Warm Springs - 9
1,277
TOTAL PEOPLE IMPACTED: *Includes children and immediate family members *
MOUNTAINSTAR KIDS:
Brain scientists tell us that the number one way to help young children’s brains develop to their highest potential is through relationships and serve-and-return interactions. To that end, MountainStar focuses especially on social and emotional development in our classrooms.
Social & Emotional Skills Development
90% of children met or exceeded goals in these areas:
Managing Feelings
Interacting with Peers & Making Friends
Responding to Emotional Cues
Following Limits
Beyond social and emotional skills, children at MountainStar reach many developmental goals. Based on age-appropriate expectations, over 85% of children met the following goals:
Gross Motor Skills, Like Balance
Fine Motor Skills, Like Using Crayons
Use & Appreciate Books
Show Flexibility & Inventiveness in Thinking
Demonstrate Persistence
Use Classification Skills
Understand Spatial Relationships
MountainStar is proud to watch the growth of the children we serve, with the most important goal of keeping kids safe.
97% OF CHILDREN REMAINED FREE FROM ABUSE AND NEGLECT
PARTNER HIGHLIGHTS
BIRDIES 4 BABIES
This year, MountainStar held its 10th Annual Birdies for Babies (B4B) golf and gala fundraiser. We are deeply grateful to the participants, volunteers, and sponsors for supporting our mission. 100% of proceeds benefit our trauma-informed child abuse prevention programs, partnering with families in crisis.
We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to the B4B planning committee, whose dedication ensures the event’s success year after year. Thanks to their efforts and your generous support, B4B has raised over $2.5 million!!
CAROLE FRAZIER
MARY JENSEN JENNY MITCHELL CINDY RINKER
PARTNERS 4 KIDS
PAM SCHOFIELD
A special thank you goes to our 10-year lead sponsor, Pahlisch Homes, whose longstanding support underscores the value of MountainStar’s work in our community.
At MountainStar, we understand the challenges businesses face when approached by multiple nonprofits. That’s why our Partners for Kids program is designed to make it easier for local businesses to support the community through a one-time annual investment. In return, we offer a year-long partnership that goes beyond traditional logo placement, providing real marketing value for your contribution.
As Staley Micken, Development Director, explains: “We love staying connected with our business community, but we also understand that the constant asks can be exhausting. Our goal is to meet with you once a year to discuss a onetime annual investment and then focus on how we can provide tangible marketing benefits for your dollars.”
Since 2007, The Glen Gives has been an invaluable partner in supporting MountainStar families. Through a thoughtful application process, MountainStar families are selected based on need –addressing requests that will have the greatest impact on their stability. The Glen Gives’ generosity provides direct assistance, helping families in crisis with vital resources like rent, new tires, food, gas cards, home appliances, car repairs, and more.
We are deeply grateful to The Glen Gives for their unwavering support over the years. The impact of these donations is immeasurable, providing families with the stability they need to thrive during difficult times. The Glen Gives has truly been a lifeline for many, and we are thankful for their continued commitment to our community.
THE GLEN GIVES
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
MountainStar extends a heartfelt thank you to all our Supporting Those At Risk (STAR) Supporters. Names below include individual gifts $1,000 and more between July 1, 2023 – September 30, 2024.
Aaron Fisher
Adam & Courtney Bledsoe
Allan & Julia Charles
Alyssa Mulkey
Amy Knapp
Ann Cheng Annemarie Hamlin & Dean Harris
Betsy Packard
Beverly & Kip Gladder
Bill & Dale Flexner
Bill & Susanna Ross
Bill Langley
Bob & Cindy Conlin
Bob & Pam Caine
Bob & Ruth Brumagin
Bradley & Melissa Kent
Breah Bollom
Brian Foster
Bud & Beth Ann Beamer
Candace Brey
Carolyn & Bob Dietz
Carolyn Schmidt
Carrie Records
Cathie Conrad
Cathy & Alan Mills
Charles & Ginger Alden
Charley & Lauri Miller
Christy Anglin
Cinnie Tomlinson
Colleen Bellotti
Craig & Leslie Weigand
Craig & Peggy Biss
Craig Johnston
Craig Vent
Cynthia & Ed Rinker
Dallas & Susan Stovall
Dan Odiorne
Dan & Rebekah Pahlisch
Dave & Janice Anderson
David & Kitri Ford
David & Shelley Butler
Debbie & Jim Davidson
Debbie & Michael Stalker
Debra Morrill
Debora Wonderly
Dennis & Beverly Pahlisch
Derrick Coder
Diane Monson &
John Letovsky
Dick Koning & Patricia O’Neill
Donald & Vicki Marvel
Donna & Mike Greenberg
Duane & Melinda Bailey
Eileen & Ron White
Eileen & Thom Delzell
Elizabeth & Michael Enright
Erika Klump
Gary & Elizabeth Patterson
Gary & Patti Boone
Glenda & Mike Cloud
Glenn Breniman
Greg & Michelle Quesnel
Gretchen Brooks
Gwen & Harlan Friesen
Hayden & Kristin Watson
Heidi & Donnie Castleman
Hollie Choe
James Noonan &
Margaret Schaus
Janelle Orcutt
Janette & Darrel Wisseman
Jeff & Susie Webber
Jeffrey & Francine Albaugh
Jeffrey McGuire
Jennifer & Cam Mitchell
Jennifer Treber &
Dustin Whitaker
Jenny & Chris Goffrier
Jill Craveiro
Jim & Andie Carter
Jim & Joyce Norman
Jim & Michele Gemelas
Jim & Michelle Huggins
Jim & Shelley Palmer
Joanne Michael
John Ross
Joy & Bill VanVactor
Judy & Gary Heck
Judy & Randy Farless
Julie & Kelly Lang
Kandy & George Marling
Karen & Gary Moss
Karen & Wade Watson
Karen Hovel
Kari Halvorson
Kathie Eckman
Kathy & David Bussman
Kathy & Gary Thompson
Kathy & Jerry Murch
Kerri & David Roussain
Kevin & Shauna Hormann
Kristin Peterson
Kristine & Scott Delamarter
Larry & Patricia Burch
Larry Michael
Laura & Jim Murray
Lauren Barnes
Laury Riley
Lel& Dake & Holly Hamilton-Dake
Leslie Barbour
Lew Hollander
Linda Blackwell
Lisa Couey
Liz Rewick
Loren & Goretti Barton
Lorraine Stuart
Lucky Moller & Natalie Osborn
Lynn Hodecker
Lynn & Mark Spinoglio
Marguerite & Bill Armstrong
Margy Cottriel
Marla Rae Watson
Marlene Guasco
Maro Paz
Mary & Erik Jensen
Matt & Becky Hillman
Matthew Callahan
Meg Langer
Melanie Widmer
Michael Klautzsch & Amy Davila-Klautzsch
Michelle Davis
Michelle Gross
Mike & Kari Schmitt
Mike & Sue Hollern
Mike Knoell
Mindy Mason & Kevin Hopper
Monica Elsom
Nancy Swanton
Pam & Dana Gillet
Pamela Schofield &
Robert Wilson
Patricia & Thomas Creelman
Patrick Wheary
Patty Ross & David Babineau
Peter & Jennifer McCaffrey
Peter & Michelle McCracken
Phillip & Carole Frazier
Rachel Albright
Rebecca Julian
Rick Mikesell
Robby Hirst
Robert & Renee Horton
Robert & Teresa Sherman
Robin & Mike Meiners
Robin & Troy Bailey
Roni & Michael Kalyk
Rosalind Davenport
Roy & Tena Jackson
Ruth Grouell & Howie Pruitt
Sarah Mattern
Scott & Rachel McGuire
Shannon Edgar
Shauna & Alex Thompson
Sheryl Blackman
Stacy Dodd
Stephanie & Rick Merritt
Stephen & Stacey Dehmer
Steve Freeman
Steve Siadek
Susan & Clarke Rheney
Susan Battistella
Tad Scharpf
Tamara Haller
Tara Bassis
Tia Weinstein
Tom & Karen Cleary
Troy & Katy Cross
Troy & Maureen Johnston
Walt & Aurolyn Wolfe
MountainStar is grateful for supporters at all levels. While we strive for accuracy on this report, we acknowledge there might be errors.
Please call 541-322-6820 with any concerns.
Thank you to ALL of our amazing supporterscommunity partners, foundations, businesses and more! Please see Our Supporters page for more champions of child abuse prevention.
2125 NE Daggett Lane, Bend, OR 97701 MtStar.org | info@mtstar.org
MountainStar Bend: (541) 322-6820
MountainStar Redmond: (541) 527-1025
MountainStar La Pine: (541) 213-6502
MountainStar Madras: (541) 475-2537
MountainStar Prineville: (541) 416-0146
STRENGTHENING FAMILIES TO KEEP KIDS SAFE
MountainStar Family Relief Nursery is the only prevention program in Deschutes, Jefferson, and Crook Counties providing therapeutic classrooms, parenting education services, and family support targeted at protecting babies and toddlers who are at significant risk for abuse and neglect.
Thank you for your partnership!
