REPORT
MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Hello Friends,
As I reflect on this past year, I am struck by the theme of growth — not only in the numbers of families we serve or programs we offer, but in the mindset that drives our work. A growth mindset reminds us that change is always possible, that resilience can be built, and that by engaging together we can create a stronger, healthier future for our community.
For families, that means learning how to selfadvocate, share their stories, and embrace new skills that help create long-term stability. We see parents discover their voice, children flourish in therapeutic classrooms, and families grow stronger by leaning into the support around them.
For our supporters, engagement is about moving beyond a place of scarcity into abundance. Your attention, generosity, and advocacy make a profound impact on children and families in Central Oregon. When you show up — whether by giving, volunteering, or amplifying our mission — you become part of the circle of growth that sustains MountainStar.
Even as we navigate uncertain times, we choose to focus on possibility. With your partnership, we’ve strengthened our mental health support, invested in staff development, and deepened the ways we walk alongside families. These successes remind us that engagement — rooted in abundance — is powerful and can transform lives.
Looking ahead, we will continue to nurture engagement in every corner of our work: for children, for families, and for MountainStar. Together, we are cultivating a community where every child can grow up safe, healthy, and full of potential.
Thank you for engaging with us and believing in what is possible.
With gratitude,
KARA
TACHIKAWA
Executive Director
MOUNTAINSTAR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Emi Cornelius
President
Cynthia Rinker, LMFT
Vice President
Donna Mills
Treasurer
Jennifer Mitchell, MD
Secretary
Rachael Baker
Adriana Hernandez
Alison Kean
Shannon MacRitchie
Margaret Schaus
Pam Schofield
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
Kandy Marling
Kimberli Munn
Linda Pierce
Kathleen Wilson
Janette Wisseman
REDMOND ADVISORY BOARD
Terri Collins
Reported cases of child abuse in Oregon happen to children 6 and younger - 9% under the age of one. Every year, infants under the age of one experience the highest rate of child abuse and neglect of any age group.
RELIEF NURSERY MILESTONES
MOUNTAINSTAR FAMILIES:
Instances of child abuse increases during times of stress.
94%
At MountainStar, the average number of family stressors is 14.
The state of Oregon has a threshold of 6 stressors to indicate “high stress.” living in poverty or low-income households.
COMMON FAMILY STRESSORS:
78% Difficulty Coping of our client families experience difficulty coping due to high/ toxic stress.
Under-employment 69% of our client families are unemployed or under employed.
Food Insecurity 59%
are unable to provide adequate nutrition for every family member.
52% experience isolation and lack of a support system.
MOUNTAINSTAR KIDS:
Mountain Star Families Report:
Lack of Basic Child Supplies
Mental Health Challenges
History of Family Violence Current/Historical Homelessness
Kids’ Outcomes:
At MountainStar, social and emotional learning means helping children understand and manage their emotions, build healthy relationships, and engage with their community. These skills form the foundation for lifelong learning, resilience, and overall well-being.
of children met or exceeded the benchmarks for physical, cognitive, and social and emotional development Skills Development
MountainStar’s most important goal is keeping kids safe. 97% OF CHILDREN REMAINED FREE FROM ABUSE AND NEGLECT
HIGHLIGHTS
BIRDIES FOR BABIES
On August 9th & 10th, MountainStar hosted its 11th Annual Birdies for Babies (B4B) Golf and Gala Fundraiser. We are deeply grateful to all the participants, volunteers, and sponsors who showed up to support our mission. 100% of the event’s proceeds go directly to MountainStar’s trauma-informed, strength-based child abuse prevention programs.
A special thank you to our lead sponsors – Pahlisch Homes, Plateau Forest Products, Norman Building & Design, and First Interstate Bank. Together, we raised more than $525K!!
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the B4B planning committee, whose dedication this year produced an event to remember:
CAROLE FRAZIER
JENNY MITCHELL
KATHY MURCH
RACHAEL O’HAVER
Thanks to the incredible generosity and dedication of our community for more than eleven years, MountainStar has raised over $3 million through B4B. These critical funds have played a key role in ensuring children and families across Central Oregon receive the care and support they need to thrive.
GET READY TO REACH FOR THE STARS WITH US!
At MountainStar, we’re preparing to build for the future— strengthening our impact and expanding our reach. In the months ahead, you’ll hear more about how this effort will fuel critical construction projects, enhance our organizational infrastructure, and significantly grow our mental health services. Together, these investments will ensure we can continue meeting the complex needs of children and families across our region.
We would love to share more about what this means for MountainStar—and for you. For more information, please reach out to Staley (staleym@mtstar.org) or Kara (karat@mtstar.org).
Together, we can create safe, nurturing spaces where every child has the opportunity to thrive. Let’s Reach for the Stars and move forward toward lasting change.
PAM SCHOFIELD
SHAUNA THOMPSON
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, 2024 – September 30, 2025.
WAYS TO GIVE:
JOIN US IN BUILDING A
STRONGER COMMUNITY
Be part of this ongoing impact by:
Becoming a monthly donor.
Making a gift from your Donor Advised Fund.
Creating a Legacy Gift.
Volunteering your time.
Joining your local Advisory Board.
Attending events, like Birdies 4 Babies.
Advocating for MountainStar’s mission.
PARTNERS FOR KIDS:
LOCAL BUSINESSES MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Community partnerships are at the heart of MountainStar’s mission. This year, we celebrate the generous support of Hixon Mortgage, stepping up with vital funding and event particpiation, and Square Baby, providing organic nutrient-rich meals for the infants in our care.
to ALL of our amazing supporters
community partners,
and more! Please see Our Supporters page for more champions of child abuse prevention.
Through our Partners for Kids program, businesses like these strengthen the foundation of our work while deepening their connection to the community. In return, they receive meaningful, year-round recognition for their generosity and impact.
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!
DONATE
