Together We Can!

 e h t e g o T Togethe Ca   a C W  W GON E R L O A R ON T G N E E R C AL O CEN

P R E S E N T E D BY

EVENT

P R E S E N T E D BY

EVENT

F U N D RA I S I N G

F U N D RA I S I N G

IN KIND

IN KIND

VO LU N T E E R

VO LU N T E E R

2021 2021

TR

PRODUCTION

PRODUCTION

WHAT’S INSIDE TOGETHER WE CAN Message about What If We Could / Together We Can........................................... 3 Why Volunteer?.............................................. 4 Now What? How to use this Guide....... 5 What if We Could Statements from our Nonprofits......................................6

Take the Pledge.............................................. 7 Does a Fork in the Road Exist?............. 12 2021 Calendar of Initiatives..................... 12 Thank you to our Sponsors................... 39

CENTRAL OREGON NONPROFIT PROFILES NONPROFIT CATEGORIES

• • • • •

ARTS ANIMAL WELFARE BASIC NEEDS DISABILITIES DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

• • • • •

EDUCATION ENVIRONMENT FAMILY & CHILDREN HEALTH & WELLBEING VETERANS

• Bethlehem Inn......................................... 27

• Healthy Families..................................... 34

• Better Together / Volunteer Connect................................ 23

• Heart of Corps......................................... 24

• Beulah’s Place........................................... 15

• KIDS Center............................................... 10

• Big Brother Big Sister............................. 9

• Kindred Connection.............................. 17

• Boys and Girls Club................................ 14

• KPOV........................................................... 36

• Central Oregon Veterans Ranch...... 38

• Latino Community ................................ 14

• Deschutes County Search and Rescue................................................ 31

• Mosaic Medical......................................... 31

• J bar J........................................................... 10

• Deschutes Public Library................... 23

• M ountainStar Family Relief Nursery........................................... 17

• Deschutes River Conservancy......... 34

• NeighborImpact..................................... 25

• Desert Sky Montessori......................... 24

• New Each Morning................................ 29

• Destination Rehab................................. 32

• OUT Central Oregon............................ 29

• Diversibility............................................... 38

• Pregnancy Resource Center.............. 16

• DogPAC...................................................... 33

• Reach Another........................................ 29

• Embers Rabbit Santuary.................... 32

• Rock Bottom Hope............................... 30

• Equine Outreach.................................... 34

• Saving Grace............................................ 28

• Every Child Central Oregon................ 11

• Shepherd’s House.................................. 27

• Family Resource Center of Central Oregon ................................. 13

• Sisters Folk Festival.............................. 36

• First Story.................................................. 26

• The Giving Plate..................................... 30

• Friends of the Children.......................... 9

• Think Wild ................................................ 33

• Furnish Hope........................................... 28

• United Way............................................... 30

• Healing Reins........................................... 32

• World Muse ............................................. 37

2 • SPRING 2021 • TOGETHER WE CAN

• SMART Reading..................................... 23

What If We Could?

— Together We Can! Together We Can is a calendar and guide of 46 local nonprofits and their initiatives, for the remainder of 2021, building an important bridge between local nonprofits, members of the business community and the public, providing an opportunity to plan their giveback activities; volunteering, in-kind giving, small fundraisers or event participation.

Although published in March this year, further editions will be published each January, showcasing what nonprofits across Central Oregon have planned for the upcoming year.

Nonprofit organizations uniquely understand community needs and have the expertise to create initiatives that address them. Together We Can provides a solution to a common problem facing many businesses and members of the public: People want to give back their time or resources but don’t know where to start. By utilizing this guide, businesses and members of the community will be connected directly to actions and causes they feel passionately about, increasing community engagement and helping people work together.

Nonprofits need volunteers to help events run smoothly, fund specific projects, all while bringing awareness to its mission. More than just financial donations to make broad and lasting changes.

The Together We Can printed guide was created by the online crowdsourcing platform WhatIfWeCould.com, uniting individuals, nonprofits, and businesses to increase awareness and support key initiatives. The platform allows nonprofits to do exactly that, create campaigns for in-kind giving, volunteering, event participation, and fundraising projects. The Together We Can printed guide and WhatIfWeCould.com offers those who want to give back a direct way to do so, easily connecting them with the organizations that need their help.

When people come together with a common goal, the load lightens because everyone is contributing. This guide seamlessly integrates a powerful new technology — crowdsourcing into the “old way of doing things,” a user-friendly tool that helps the community identify needs they may care about and easily make a difference.

Thank you so much for picking up this guide and fighting to improve your community. Please visit WhatIfWeCould.com to learn more! Remember, the answer to the question “What If We Could?” is “Together We Can!

— Rys Fairbrother Champion of Others Founder of What If We Could? and Together We Can www.WhatIfWeCould.com • 3

Why Volunteer?

Volunteer is a freedom word! It means that we freely offer to help, by our own choice. Thousands of people in our community live this word, freely choosing to shovel neighbors’ pathways, restore habitat for wildlife, tend to those who are ill, tutor children, help people find housing and hope, advocate for justice, serve on City committees, and much more.

When a group of us founded Volunteer Connect, now Volunteer Central Oregon, we wanted to help community members easily find and connect with volunteer opportunities. Why? I believe that volunteering is essential for meeting needs and solving problems in our community and world. For example, nonprofits in this guide rely on volunteers to accomplish needed work in our community.

I also believe that volunteering helps the volunteers! When we volunteer, we: •M eet new and caring friends, and build stronger bonds with our friends, colleagues, and family members volunteering with us • Learn new skills, build our résumé, make career connections •G ain understanding of community issues and empathy for people whom we used to fear •F ind our sense of purpose, and build our sense of hope, as we work together with people solving community issues As a volunteer, I feel the satisfaction and camaraderie of working together with positive and joyful people creating good in our community. We volunteers receive even more than we give.

— Betsy Warriner Co-founder of Volunteer Central Oregon and Community Conversations The Source Weekly 2017 Woman of the Year Bend Chamber 2015 Woman of the Year Award, Community Hero

OREGON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION PUTS DONATED DOLLARS TO WORK FOR OREGON

Our mission is to improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy. We steward donor priorities into strategic giving to support diverse communities across Oregon.

OCF helps you create a fund to achieve your charitable goals — now, or through your will or trust. With OCF you connect to a powerful network of generous Oregonians. Together, we’re transforming individual giving into lasting change.

Learn more about how OCF can support your giving. Call Julie Gregory at the Bend office at (541) 382-1170 or visit oregoncf.org.

4 • SPRING 2021 • TOGETHER WE CAN

NOW WHAT?

The following comment bubbles are the rally cry for our participating nonprofits — we asked them to finish the sentence, What If We Could… “… provide a safe place for anyone at rock bottom to reach out and be connected immediately to someone who cares.”

“… eliminate stroke through awareness and education.”

— Stroke Awareness Oregon

— Rock Bottom Hope

“… connect people of all ages with volunteer opportunities in Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson Counties, with an emphasis on services for and by youth.”

— Volunteer Central Oregon

“… ensure that nobody had to experience hunger in Central Oregon?”

“… all ‘heal with horses’ by improving the wellness of Central Oregonians through nationally accredited, affordable, horsecentered therapies and programs?”

— Healing Reins Therapeutic Riding Center

— The Giving Plate

“… provide everyone in Deschutes County access to books and learning and arts and ideas?”

— Deschutes Public Library Foundation

“… walk with someone through their challenge, rather than just focus on immediate relief?”

— Love INC of Central Oregon

“… provide access to books and increase third grade reading levels.”

— SMART Reading

“… have a waitlist of amazing foster homes so when kids came into care they could have the best placement for them?”

— Every Child Central Oregon

“… educate for more responsible horse guardianship.”

— Equine Outreach Horse Rescue

“… live in a world where all young people have the resources they need to create pathways out of poverty, learning job skills, earning educational tools, and increasing their selfconfidence?”

— Heart of Oregon Corps

“… build a world where everyone has access to the benefits of outdoor recreation, regardless of ability?”

— Oregon Adaptive Sports

“… break loneliness and isolation by giving people with disabilities confidence, support and training to be full participants in their local community and the great outdoors.”

— Destination Rehab

“… provide a safe place for rescued bunnies to receive proper vet care and find loving forever homes. ” — Ember’s Wildflower Animal Sanctuary and Bunny Rescue

“… ignite the potential of youth in Central Oregon through mentorship?”

“… ensure that all our children enter their school life ready to learn, contribute, and thrive?”

— Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon

— Healthy Beginnings

6 • SPRING 2021 • TOGETHER WE CAN

www.WhatIfWeCould.com • 7

8 • SPRING 2021 • TOGETHER WE CAN

EVENTS

VOLUNTEER

FUNDRAISING

IN-KIND DONATION

FAMILY & CHILDREN

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS Kids need someone to stand in their corner, to be there when they face challenges, and to inspire them. Mentors ignite their potential and make a long-term difference in the lives of youth and families. Kids with mentors do better in school, achieve higher levels of education, and have stronger relationships than those without.

If you are looking to contribute to someone’s life in a significant way, empower them to create a better future, and enjoy the rewards of knowing you are supporting a child and family, consider becoming a Big now. We are J Bar J Youth Services.

Serving: Bend, Redmond, Prineville, Sisters, Madras – Jefferson County, La Pine, Sunriver

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon 2125 NE Daggett Ln, Bend, OR 97701 541-312-6047 balbert@bbbsco.org | bbbsco.org

JUN NOV

FRIENDS OF THE CHILDREN Impacting generational change by empowering youth who are facing the greatest obstacles through 1:1 mentorship with paidprofessional mentors – 12+ years, no matter what.

Capital Campaign Join us as we launch our capital campaign and take the next step in creating our forever home, called The Ranch, right here in a Central Oregon. The Ranch will allow us to expand our capacity and serve as a sanctuary for those we serve, and a resource for the community at-large. The Ranch will provide a safe and welcoming place for discovery, learning, and laughter, as well as a home for mentoring relationships to blossom.

Serving: Bend, Redmond, Prineville, Sisters, Madras - Jefferson County, La Pine, Sunriver

MAR MAY SEPT

FRIENDS OF THE CHILDREN CENTRAL OREGON PO Box 6028, Bend, OR 97708 sharmon@friendscentraloregon 541-668-6836 friendscentraloregon.org www.WhatIfWeCould.com • 9

J BAR J YOUTH SERVICES

FAMILY & CHILDREN

Providing a continuum of programs for vulnerable and at-risk youth in Central Oregon, including: at: project - helping victims of human trafficking become survivors.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon - igniting potential in kids through mentorship.

Cascade Youth & Family Center - shelter and services for runaway and homeless youth.

Grandma’s House - shelter and services for homeless and/or abused pregnant or parenting girls.

J Bar J Boys Ranch and J5 - teaching juvenile offenders how their beliefs and thoughts influence their choices and futures.

Kindred Connections - connecting family mentors and church communities with families in crisis.

JUL

J Bar J Youth Services 62895 Hamby Road, Bend OR 97701 541-389-1409 www.jbarj.org

KIDS CENTER Preventing, Evaluating, and Treating Child Abuse in Central Oregon For more than 25 years, KIDS Center has been dedicated to the prevention, evaluation, and treatment of child abuse in Central Oregon.

We believe all children deserve to live in a world without child abuse. At KIDS Center, children and families receive life-changing medical evaluations, child-friendly forensic interviews, family advocacy, and therapy services to help them heal and overcome the devastating effects of child abuse allowing them to reach their fullest potential.

These services are provided at no cost to more than 300 families each year.

KIDS Center also provides region-wide prevention and education programs to help adults learn how to keep kids safe from abuse. Learn more about our virtual trainings at kidscenter.org/ prevention-trainings Each year, KIDS Center serves over 2000 children, youth, and families through KIDS Center programs.

Serving: Bend, Redmond, Prineville, Sisters, Madras – Jefferson County, La Pine, Sunriver, Warm Springs

APR JULY 10 • SPRING 2021 • TOGETHER WE CAN

KIDS Center 1375 Kingston Ave, Bend, OR 97703 541-383-5958 • info@kidscenter.org Learn more about how KIDS Center changes lives at: www.kidscenter.org

EVENTS

VOLUNTEER

FUNDRAISING

IN-KIND DONATION

EVERY CHILD CENTRAL OREGON

FAMILY & CHILDREN

Every Child Central Oregon believes in a hopeful future for children and families in Central Oregon and helps connect individuals, businesses, families, and faith-based communities to meet the acute needs of those impacted by foster care. Every Child relentlessly fights for children in crisis and commits to finding safe, nurturing foster families where they can flourish during their time in care.

In the Spring of 2020, in response to families facing critical hardships due to COVID-19, we launched our My NeighbOR program. Through this initiative, we connect tangible needs of the population we serve, to community members willing to sign up to be a neighbor and donate or purchase the needed item. Weekly, ECCO receives requests for items emergently needed such as clothing, car seats, diapers, beds and more. Today we are asking you to join hands with us and sign up to become a Neighbor; with your help ECCO can ensure children in care receive items they need to support their safety and well-being.

If you would like to step forward and say “YES!” to being a neighbor, please visit everychildcentraloregon.org/myneighbor/ for more information or reach out to Brieanna Rogers at B.Rogers@everychildcentraloregon.org. Thank you!

MAR APR JULY NOV

Every Child Central Oregon PO Box 953, Redmond, OR 97756 541-610-9455 info@everychildcentraloregon.org www.everychildcentraloregon.org www.WhatIfWeCould.com • 11

Does the Fork in the Road Exist?

As a 2 year old, Olivia did her best to embrace the toddler lifestyle. She woke up early and noisily and didn’t lose steam until after bedtime.

Olivia’s dad, James, was also doing his best. He worked more than he wished he had to and adored her wild smile. At Fred Meyer, when Olivia burst into gasping tears because he declined to keep the 500 count box of plastic straws in the grocery cart - James earnestly tried to understand what was happening for Olivia.

As a child, James loved his parents as much as he feared them. This mixture of fear and respect made it hard for James to talk to his parents about the tough things as a teen. As chaotic of an upbringing as James had, he knew he wanted to raise Olivia differently. He felt he was at a fork in the road: he could raise Olivia like his parents

The parenting path is always changing and there are way more than two ways to parent.

raised him, or… some other way?

At his first parenting series James learned that the fork in the road does not exist. The parenting path is always changing and there are way more than two ways to parent. He learned he didn’t have to know the exact directions for parenting, he and Olivia would shape their path together.

While James didn’t emerge as a toddler mind-reader, he now knows how to utilize listening, play, comfort, routine, and even a little brain science to make Olivia’s toddler years a positive, stable experience. James captured his experience after the series ended saying, “I feel like a totally different dad now.”

It’s not just kids that are learning and growing, parents are too! Connect with parents, information and support at frconline.org. Or, give us a call!

Talk soon, Your #1 fans at Family Resource Center

12 • SPRING 2021 • TOGETHER WE CAN

EVENTS

VOLUNTEER

FUNDRAISING

IN-KIND DONATION

FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER OF CENTRAL OREGON

FAMILY & CHILDREN

Imagine you and your family this time last year.

Chances are, you’ve all learned and changed a good deal since then. At Family Resource Center, we recognize the ever-changing landscape of parenting and we know it’s not easy to keep up! For nearly 30 years, Family Resource Center has supported Central Oregon families and caregivers with parenting education sessions, workshops, 1-1 coaching, playgroups, community, and resources.

But, what is parenting education? It can be as quick as reading an article, or as involved as joining a group series. We aren’t born knowing how to handle a toddlers tantrum in public, what to do if your child is being bullied, or how to manage your teens’ relationship with social media.

You aren’t supposed to know all the answers, just knowing where to begin learning and finding support is the perfect start.

We believe parents are in charge of their parenting decisions. To make those decisions, you want information you can trust. Parenting education offers just that; evidence-based programming, information, and resources for raising children 0-18 years old. But, it’s not just information parents need, parents also need support and community. Our programs offer weekly opportunities to connect with fellow parents and lean into the understanding, encouragement, and grace we can offer each other.

Join us in building healthy futures for our children and community through parenting education. We can’t wait to meet you!

Serving: all of Central Oregon, including Bend, La Pine, Prineville, Redmond, Sisters, Sunriver, Madras & Jefferson County

Family Resource Center of Central Oregon (541) 389-5468 frc@frconline.org | frconline.org

“… help all parents feel seen, heard, and supported through evidence-based parenting education.”

“… close the opportunity gap by helping youth in jeopardy in Central Oregon.”

— Family Resource Center of Central Oregon

— J Bar J Youth Services

“… end homelessness for all of the families and adults in our community?”

“… provide a safe and engaging place for school age kids to go, where they would get the academic and socialemotional support they need during distance learning?”

— Boys & Girls Club of Bend

— Bethlehem Inn www.WhatIfWeCould.com • 13

FAMILY & CHILDREN

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF BEND Youth need safe, enriching places to be while their parents work. Places where they can access daily meals, interact with peers, receive academic support, and learn healthy coping skills. During COVID, local families struggle to figure out how they can ensure their children are educated, safe, and healthy.

Our programs provide a stable environment where youth consistently find academic support, free daily meals, and activities focused on building social-emotional skills to increase their resilience.

Your support helps us keep our fees affordable, providing additional scholarships so that the youth who need the support of Club the most can attend.

MAY

Boys & Girls Clubs Of Bend 500 Nw Wall St, Bend, OR 97703 541-617-2877 Info@Bgcbend.org www.bgcbend.org social @bgcbend

LATINO COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION Our mission is to empower our Latino families to thrive by creating opportunities for advancement and building bridges that unite and strengthen our communities.

We envision a cohesive and diverse region where all people are valued and empowered to participate and contribute to the health and prosperity of Central Oregon.

We rely on the generous community spirit of Central Oregonians to fund our lifechanging services. A gift of any size can have a big impact on an immigrant Latino family in our community.

It takes just $15 a month to support someone with our whole-family suite of services.

Serving: Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties

JULY SEPT DEC 14 • SPRING 2021 • TOGETHER WE CAN

The Latino Community Association 2445 NE Division Street, Ste 200, Bend, OR 97703 541.382.4366 (admin office) Contact: Cynthia L. Jurgensen 541.815.2401 cynthia@latca.org latinocommunityassociation.org

EVENTS

VOLUNTEER

FUNDRAISING

IN-KIND DONATION

BEULAH’S PLACE

FAMILY & CHILDREN

A HOME FOR BEULAH’S PLACE In 2008, Beulah’s Place began its quest to rescue at-risk homeless teens from the streets of Central Oregon. These vulnerable youth chose the streets for safety because what they were running from was much scarier, more dangerous to their survival. Whether it be severe abuse, abandonment, sex trafficking, or other criminally exploitative activities, Beulah’s Place wanted to be a source of help, healing, and hope to these teen boys and girls.

Over the past 13 years, hundreds of minor-aged teens have received assistance from Beulah’s Place, although we were not able to house them legally. The older teens (18-21 years) have been successfully safe housed for three-to-five months depending on their needs and ability to maintain independent living standards. To date, 41 teens have received temporary housing from Beulah’s Place and successfully reintegrated into our community with little to no additional assistance after completing our program!

This year, Beulah’s Place is seeking residential property or structures to create transitional housing opportunities for the teens we rescue. Our community is without a central shelter for youth in danger. It is essential for Beulah’s Place to “have a home”(or homes) for permanent long-term use.

Ideally, Beulah’s Place desires a duplex or triplex where one of the units could be an Air B&B staycation unit creating revenue with the other unit(s) for all-female and/or all-male residents. However, Beulah’s Place is open to any viable housing opportunity so we can continue rescuing the future of our communities — our youth.

We have had seven teens go to college (two made Dean’s List!). Of the teens we have rescued and housed, 95% completed their high school education and 98% have sustained viable employment. Every teen has given back in some way helping to make a better community for all of us.

Serving: Bend, Redmond, Prineville, Sisters, Madras – Jefferson County, La Pine, Sunriver, Warm Springs

MAR APR MAY JUN SEPT

Beulah’s Place P.O. Box 518, Redmond, OR, 97756 541-526-0445 www.beulahsplace.org www.WhatIfWeCould.com • 15

FAMILY & CHILDREN

PREGNANCY RESOURCE CENTERS OF CENTRAL OREGON An unplanned pregnancy can feel like an insurmountable moment of crisis in a woman’s life. For over 25 years, our vision has been to see lives transformed and we accomplish this by providing free services and building one-on-one personal relationships with our clients. We offer free pregnancy testing, options consultations, limited ultrasounds, parenting education, prenatal vitamins, fatherhood coaching, diapers, baby and maternity supplies.

One of our clients said it best, “You were there when I had nowhere else to go. You helped me think through all my options and allowed me to see that I could really do this”. We do not perform or refer for abortions and believe every life has value (Genesis 1:27). We do not take money from the state or federal government that would limit our ability to share the gospel, but are financed through the monthly pledges and gifts we receive.

Serving all of Central Oregon, with offices in Bend, Redmond and Prineville.

MAY JUN AUG SEPT OCT

“… communicate effectively to motivate the Church (big C) community to actively participate in vital relationships with families who hurt.

Volunteers from churches can make a life changing, eternal, impact when they provide a temporary home for a child or become a friend to a parent who needs support and resources.”

— Kindred Connections (J Bar J) 16 • SPRING 2021 • TOGETHER WE CAN

Pregnancy Resource Centers of Central Oregon 369 NE Revere Ave, Suite #102, Bend, OR, 97701 541-728-0746 www.prcco.org

“… support all of our communities most vulnerabe children and their families to ensure that children remain safe from abuse and neglect.”

— MoutainStar Family Relief Nurserys

“… help, listen and encourage every woman facing an unplanned pregnancy, letter her know she is not alone and we can help.”

— Pregnancy Resource Centers of Central Oregon

EVENTS

VOLUNTEER

FUNDRAISING

IN-KIND DONATION

KINDRED CONNECTION

Serving: Bend, Redmond, Prineville, Sisters, Madras - Jefferson County, La Pine, Sunriver

Kindred Connections 62895 Hamby Road, Bend, OR 97701 541-306-9311 kindredconnections.co@jbarj.org kindred-connections.org

MOUNTAINSTAR FAMILY RELIEF NURSERY MountainStar’s mission is to prevent child abuse and neglect through community support and therapeutic services that help vulnerable children and families succeed. We are the only 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.

MountainStar works directly with families living with an average of 14 risk factors. Our therapeutic services provide crisis intervention at a critical time for families with young children.

In 2019, MountainStar successfully kept 98% of the children in our program safe from confirmed cases of abuse and neglect.

MountainStar is proud to celebrate 20 years of service for Central Oregon families. Your support has helped 5,000 local babies and toddlers remain safe from abuse and neglect.

With your continued support, MountainStar will serve vulnerable families for many years to come. Thank you for your commitment to child abuse prevention!

MountainStar Family Relief Nursery Services provided in Bend, Redmond, La Pine, Madras, and Prineville 2125 NE Daggett Ln., Bend, OR 97701 541-322-6820 info@mtstar.org | mtstar.org

APR MAY AUG SEPT OCT OCT NOV DEC DEC www.WhatIfWeCould.com • 17

FAMILY & CHILDREN

Helping Families in crisis who lack a safety net: Mobilizing and equipping mentoring families and area church communities to provide support while parents work to secure stability for their families. We provide mentoring relationships for parents and temporary housing for children to families in crisis. Our purpose is connecting families with needed support during a time of challenge, including possible job loss, serious illness, homelessness, or other issues that complicate parenting. Providing support in those times of need can help keep the family together. We are J Bar J Youth Services.

FAMILY & CHILDREN

HEALTHY FAMILIES OF THE HIGH DESERT The first years of a baby’s life are critical to the developing brain. Attachment and experiences with a primary caregiver affects a baby’s future social, emotional and cognitive development.

The relationships the baby experiences in the first few years of life provide him/ her with a sense of self and whether or not his/her world is a safe place to live in.

Not all families are equipped to provide the nurturing and stimulating experiences and environment that children need to thrive. Many families lack the basic necessities and resources required to survive let alone enjoy their baby. The outcomes for children born into households experiencing these levels of economic, health and social disparities are often poor.

Healthy Families of the High Desert provides eligible families the support required. Partnering with a family with weekly visits for up to 3 years, a Family Support Specialist helps track baby’s development, discuss positive parenting practices, early literacy, safety, health and individual family needs.

Families are connected to community resources. The relationship with the FSS increases parental confidence and decreases family stress. Babies and young children feel understood, valued and ready for school. The A Program of the High Desert ESD program is voluntary and at no cost to families.

Healthy Families of the HIgh Desert

2125 NE Daggett Ln., Bend, OR, 97701 541-749-2138 www.hdesd.org

Serving: Bend, Redmond, Sisters, La Pine, Sunriver, Madras-Jefferson County, Prineville, Warm Springs

“… empower all Latino families to thrive, creating opportunities for advancement and building bridges that unite and strengthen us all.”

“… provide a place where at-risk homeless teens who have been trafficked, abused, abandoned, or criminally preyed upon could find help, healing, and hope in our Central Oregon community?”

— Latino Community Association

— Beulah’s Place

“… get all parents the support and information they need to have a thriving family?”

— Healthy Families Oregon-High Desert

“… stop child abuse in Central Oregon so that every child grows up feeling safe, loved and supported allowing them to reach their fullest potential?”

18 • SPRING 2021 • TOGETHER WE CAN

— KIDS Center

Calendar Purposely placed, each nonprofit below has an initiative in months when they are in need of our support the most. Please consider finding a month(s) to rally your friends, family and co-workers to give back.

Cover

Learn more and sign up each month at www.WhatIfWeCould.com

March

EVENTS FUNDRAISING

VOLUNTEER IN-KIND DONATION

Beulah’s Place — Essentials needed for those we serve; zippered bags (all sizes), canned soup, brown paper lunch bags, healthy school snacks, candy treats, travel size hygiene products like, kleenex, antibacterial sheets, cotton balls Deschutes Public Library Foundation — “Author! Author! literary series -Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn - New York Times reporters NICHOLAS KRISTOF and SHERYL WuDUNN received a Pulitzer Prize for their coverage of China’s Tiananmen Square movement.”

Diversability Inc. — World Down Syndrome Day Ember’s Wildflower Animal Sanctuary and Bunny Rescue — Easter Photos Fundraiser: Family photos with a rescue bunny and cute Easter background!

Equine Outreach — Photo Exhibit Event Every Child Central Oregon — The Neighborhood - Connects caring community volunteers to local foster families to provide tangible and relational care such as meals, random acts of kindness and encouragement.

Furnish Hope — “Hope on Wheels” - Help hope continue to roll throughout Central Oregon! Be one of 50 supporters donating $50 to help us increase our delivery capacity by expanding our transportation fleet.

The Giving Plate — Need Easter Baskets - drop off any extra filled Easter Baskets to be distributed to the families we serve. Value no more than $20 Healing Reins — Responder Families Open House Shepherd’s House — “Project Share - In 2021, let’s go deeper to help those living on the streets and homeless camps in Central Oregon.”

World Muse — MUSE UnConference and MUSE Youth Summit

April Beulah’s Place — Car wash fundraiser April 17th Deschutes Public Library Foundation — “A Novel Idea” “This year’s ‘A Novel Idea’ double-feature follows the story of immigrant families and their pursuit of the American Dream,” said Deschutes Public Library Programs Supervisor Liz Goodrich.

Ember’s Wildflower Animal Sanctuary and Bunny Rescue — Easter Egg My Yard – We stuff and hide eggs for your kiddos to wake up to Easter morning. This is a fun way to make Easter easy for you while helping bunnies in need!

Equine Outreach — Lecture Series Event to the Public with DCSO www.WhatIfWeCould.com • 19

2021 Calendar

EVENTS FUNDRAISING

VOLUNTEER IN-KIND DONATION

Every Child Central Oregon — Welcome Box Drive Healing Reins — Axel the Fjord’s 30th Birthday KIDS Center — Healing Hearts Virtual Luncheon MountainStar Family Relief Nurseries — Keep Kids Safe Campaign New Each Morning — “Raise the Mug” Bethlehem Inn — Ongoing needs throughout the year Saving Grace — Sexual Assault Awareness Month -Educational Awareness Saving Grace — Take Back the Night Shepherd’s House — Project Share Think Wild — Baby Season Baby Shower Think Wild — Stop by Think Wild on 4/25 from 1–4 PM and help your local wildlife hospital raise funds & supplies to rescue wildlife!

May Bethlehem Inn — Spotlight on Homeless Boys and Girls Club of Bend — House Party - virtual fundraiser Equine Outreach Horse Rescue — Online Auction Fundraiser First Story — Home Key Ceremony Central Oregon Veterans Ranch — The 4th Annual COVR Armed Forces Plant Sale Ember’s Wildflower Animal Sanctuary and Bunny Rescue — Outdoor Play Area Mosaic Medical — Brighter Smiles MountainStar Family Relief Nurseries — Keep Kids Safe Campaign Sisters Folk Festival — My Own Two Hands Virtual Art Auction

June Bethlehem Inn — Ongoing needs throughout the year Beulah’s Place — Essentials needed Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon — Graduation is a BIG deal! Please make a donation now to help ensure that nothing will stand in the way of these youth meeting their goal and graduating high school!

Desert Sky Montessori — Desert Sky’s Family Festival: 4th annual Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament and Festival: Bounce houses, face painting, food, crafts, family fun Diversability Inc. — Diversability Village Website Ember’s Wildflower Animal Sanctuary and Bunny Rescue — Sustainability Garden We need volunteers to help us prep and plant a garden that will provide fresh veggies for our bunnies!

Equine Outreach Horse Rescue — Online Auction Fundraiser Furnish Hope — “Join our Hope Collective Team” - Together, we can fully furnish 1 home a month for a family with 20 supporters committed to giving $25 a month.

Giving Plate — Needed help organizing and delivering food Healing Reins — Free Yoga in the Pasture 2 • •DATE 20 SPRING 2021 2021 • WHAT • TOGETHER IF WE COULD WE CAN

Mosaic Medical — Brighter Smiles New Each Morning — “New” Shared Housing Campaign OUT Central Oregon — Bend Pride 5K Fun Run/Walk and Drag Dash Saving Grace — Heroes Gala Sisters Folk Festival — ‘Close To Home’ Concerts Think Wild — Volunteer with Think Wild

July

Shop 4 A Cause - Annual WhatIfWeCould event

Equine Outreach Horse Rescue — Open House Event Every Child Centeral Oregon — Drive-In Fundraiser KIDS Center — A Sip of Cork & Barrel and Cork & Barrel Healing Reins — Horse Poop Bingo J Bar J Youth Services — Oregon High Desert Classics: Proceeds from Central Oregon’s national hunter jumper shows support programs helping kids overcome hurdles and work toward self-sufficiency.

Latino Community Association — Gala de Oro - July 23, fundraising event.

Rock Bottom Hope — Fireworks for Hope Saving Grace — Camp Mary’s Place Sisters Folk Festival — ‘Close To Home’ Concerts Sisters Folk Festival — Creativity Camps for Youth

August Bethlehem Inn — Ongoing needs throughout the year Deschutes Public Library Foundation — Summer with the Library (June – August) Desert Sky Montessori — Outdoor classroom, garden and play yard design and installation Equine Outreach Horse Rescue — “So You Want to Own A Horse” Webinar Event Equine Outreach Horse Rescue — Fall Clean Out Your Barns Campaign First Story — Wild Safari Concert & Tournament Heart of Oregon Corps — Farm to Fork MountainStar Family Relief Nurseries — Bridies for Babies Sisters Folk Festival — ‘Close To Home’ Concerts Sisters Folk Festival — Creativity Camps for Youth

September Beulah’s Place — Essentials needed Diversability Inc. — Buddy Walk Furnish Hope — “Sweet Dreams Drive” - Furnish Hope & A Good Night’s Sleep. Seeking 100 donations of $25 to provide bedding bundles for those in need.

The Giving Plate — Bring hope to the holidays for local children. The Giving Plate Jingle $25 or under gifts or become a Jingle Sponsor Healing Reins — Diamonds & Dust Mosaic Medical — Hygiene Items www.WhatIfWeCould.com www.WhatIfWeCould.com • DATE 2021• •21 3

2021 Calendar

EVENTS FUNDRAISING

VOLUNTEER IN-KIND DONATION

Latino Community Association — LatinoFest - friend-raiser, all day cultural event, Sahalee Park, Madras United Way of Central Oregon — Our local United Way hosts a community fundraiser to raise funds for our community’s most vulnerable and nonprofits that serve them.

October Bethlehem Inn — Ongoing needs throughout the year Desert Sky Montessori — Desert Sky’s Harvest Festival – Pumpkin Sale and festival: Bounce houses, face painting, food, crafts, family fun Equine Outreach Horse Rescue — Monthly Giving Pledge Drive Healing Reins — Trick or Treating in the Barn MountainStar Family Relief Nurseries — Carving for Kids MountainStar Family Relief Nurseries — Food Drive Saving Grace — Domestic Violence Awareness Month - Educational Awareness Saving Grace — 5k - Volunteer to help with the race - Educational Awareness SMART Reader — SMART Reading Program Start United Way of Central Oregon — Our local United Way hosts a community fundraiser to raise funds for our community’s most vulnerable and nonprofits that serve them.

November Deschutes Public Library Foundation — “Author! Author! tickets on sale for the 2022 season - With best-selling writers visiting for each annual series, Central Oregon has played host to numerous authors who have won Pulitzer Prizes, National Book Awards, and Edgar Awards, among other literary prizes. “ Every Child Central Oregon — Toy Drive for Holiday Events Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon — Comedy For Kids’ Sake: We’re rolling out the red carpet, and you are invited! Join Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon for a fabulous night of comedy, libations, and defending potential.

Central Oregon Gives — End of year giving opportunity for all local nonprofits www.CentralOregonGives.org

December Deschutes County Public Library Foundation — “A Novel Idea” Kicks Off - Through “A Novel Idea,” thousands of Deschutes County residents share the common bond of reading a selected book and participating in related cultural and literacy events each spring.

Equine Outreach Horse Rescue — “Adopt A Horse For The Holidays” Healing Reins — Healing’s Annual Holiday Drive Thru Event with Santa Latino Community Association — Empowering Families Luncheon The Giving Plate — Christmas meals for our families. One turkey/ham and sides feeds a family of 4. Last year we gave out about 600 - help support in serving more.

Saving Grace — Adopt A Family Central Oregon Gives — End of year giving opportunity for all local nonprofits www.CentralOregonGives.org 4 2021 • WHAT IF WE COULD 22• •DATE SPRING 2021 • TOGETHER WE CAN

EVENTS

VOLUNTEER

FUNDRAISING

IN-KIND DONATION

BETTER TOGETHER / VOLUNTEER CONNECT Volunteer Central Oregon connects people of all ages with volunteer opportunities in Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson Counties, with an emphasis on service for and by youth.

We believe that a strong culture of volunteerism is a force for building hope and community in our region.

We envision a better tomorrow that starts today... and it begins with you.

Serving: Bend, Redmond, Prineville, Sisters, Madras Jefferson County, La Pine, Sunriver, Warm Springs

Better Together / Volunteer Connect volunteercentraloregon.org bettertogether@hdesd.org Redmond OR, 97756 - 541-693-5678

DESCHUTES PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUNDATION The Deschutes Public Library Foundation provides dependable, sustainable funding that supports and enhances library programs and outreach services not funded through taxes.

We provide opportunities to connect with world-class authors and award-winning works of literature and nonfiction through the Author! Author! literary series, the A Novel Idea…Read Together program, and our Summer with the Library activities.

Serving: Bend, Redmond, Sisters, La Pine, Sunriver

MAR APR JUN JULY AUG NOV DEC

Deschutes Public Library Foundation 507 NW Wall Street, Bend OR 97703 541-312-1027 admin@dplfoundation.org www.dplfoundation.org

SMART READING At SMART Reading, we believe that reading is the gateway to learning and opportunity. We’re a children’s literacy nonprofit that serves kids in Oregon’s highest need schools with two ingredients critical for literacy and learning success: reading support and access to books. Here in Central Oregon, we serve schools and sites in Crook, Deschutes, Grant, Harney, and Jefferson Counties. We give away over 14,000 new books to local kids each year, and our volunteers provide reading support to help them build confidence, literacy skills, and a love of reading.

Learn more about SMART Reading at www.SMARTReading.org or call 541-797-7726.

OCT

SMART Reading 354 NE Greenwood Avenue, Suite 103, Bend, OR, 97701 541-797-7726 www.smartreading.org www.WhatIfWeCould.com • 23

EDUCATION

As an initiative of Better Together, we are working hard to increase the number of students graduating from high school, continuing their education and training after graduation, and ultimately beginning work in a career they find meaningful.

EDUCATION

HEART OF OREGON CORPS We invest in youth. Invest with us. Heart of Oregon Corps provides paid job skills training, education, and leadership development to Central Oregon youth who experience barriers. Over the past 20 years, more than 4,100 young people ages 16-24 have gone through one of Heart of Oregon’s six programs in Deschutes, Crook, Jefferson, and Klamath counties and Warm Springs. Donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations help ensure that Heart of Oregon Corps can be here to serve Central Oregon young people for another 20 years and beyond. Our young people also become positive contributors to their communities—It’s win-win-win!

Heart of Oregon Corps PO Box 279/Bend, OR 97709 541-633-7834 info@heartoforegon.org heartoforegon.org/20in2020

Serving: Bend, Redmond, Prineville, Sisters, Madras Jefferson County, Warm Springs

DESERT SKY MONTESSORI Desert Sky Montessori provides all children with an environment for joyful exploration that fosters self-discovery and a life-long love of learning.

Desert Sky Montessori is the only tuition-free Montessori Charter School in Central Oregon. It offers an amazing educational experience to children in kindergarten through 6th grade.

Desert Sky currently enrolls 165 children from the Bend-La Pine School District and surrounding areas. As a charter school, Desert Sky receives 80% of its funds from the state and sponsoring district with the other 20% relying on fundraising, grants and donations.

The Montessori method of education was developed by Doctor Maria Montessori over 100 years ago. It is a child-centered approach to learning, utilizing hands on materials and self-directed activity.

Maria Montessori recognized children as the redeeming factor in the progress of humanity. Children in Montessori schools are encouraged to learn by following their interests and their passions. They spend time researching and producing meaningful work. They become intrinsically motivated to learn, becoming appreciative and responsible global citizens.

Desert Sky invites you to join them in their efforts to provide more children in Bend with a tuition-free, public Montessori education.

Serving: Bend, Redmond, Prineville, Sisters, La Pine, Sunriver

JUN AUG OCT NOV 24 • SPRING 2021 • TOGETHER WE CAN

Desert Sky Montessori 63645 Scenic Dr, Bend, OR 97703 541-323-8833 info@dsmontessori.org www.dsmontessori.org

EVENTS

VOLUNTEER

FUNDRAISING

IN-KIND DONATION

NEIGHBORIMPACT What If We Could …

Ensure food delivery to the 30,000+ individuals struggling with food insecurity every month — and who rely on food from NeighborImpact’s Food Bank?

As a non-profit organization, NeighborImpact changes someone’s life for the better every single day.

As individuals, we have to find the right opportunities to make real change in the lives of others.

We offer you this chance to do just that: to do good, so that others can do well.

BASIC NEEDS

What difference will your donation to NeighborImpact’s Food Bank make?

• $25 buys 170 pounds of food from our Food Bank’s wholesale venders • $50 supports two weeks of meals for a family of four • $100 feeds a child for six months • $500 purchases 3,000 meals to distribute throughout Deschutes County • $1,500 pays costs for a truck to recover and distribute more than 50 tons of food over one month

You can make real change!

Donate to NeighborImpact’s Food Bank at https://neighborimpact.harnessapp. com/wv2/campaign/3451

Business owners: Seize this opportunity now to MAKE YOUR OWN IMPACT! How? Become a food truck sponsor!

Your logo will be seen by 1000s of motorists every day – spreading the word that you care about your community!

• NeighborImpact’s four refrigerated trucks pick up food from grocery stores, food drives and farms and distribute it to 60+ food sites in Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties • Our four food trucks travel the roads five days a week all year long • Each truck averages 11,000 miles a year across the region • Our Mobile Food Pantry distributes food to hundreds of individuals at clinics and schools every month For more information about food truck sponsorships, contact Sandy Visnack at sandyv@neighborimpact.org or (541) 323-6574.

Serving: Warm Springs, Madras Jefferson County, Prineville, Redmond, Sisters, Bend, Sunriver, La Pine

NeighborImpact 2303 SW First St., Redmond, OR, 97756 541-323-6501 suzettec@neighborimpact.org www.neighborimpact.org www.WhatIfWeCould.com • 25

BASIC NEEDS

FIRST STORY

First Story is excited to bring affordable homeownership to Sisters, Oregon. The non-profit founded in Redmond in 1998, is dedicated to giving families a handup to homeownership. First Story’s approach is different — Through a unique partnership with builder Hayden Homes, First Story will provide zero-down and zero-interest, 30-year home loans on newly constructed Hayden Homes in the builder’s new McKenzie Meadows community. The 3-bedroom and 2-bath homes will be sold move-in ready with all appliances, washer & dryer and landscaping.

Homes will be available to families below 80% of area median income who have completed NeighborImpact’s Home Buyer Education Class.

More information on how to qualify and apply at www.firststory.org.

Serving: Bend, Redmond, Sisters

MAY AUG 26 • SPRING 2021 • TOGETHER WE CAN

First Story 963 SW Simpson Avenue, Ste 110, Bend, OR 97702 541-728-0830 x 5 info@firststory.org firststory.org

EVENTS

VOLUNTEER

FUNDRAISING

IN-KIND DONATION

SHEPHERD’S HOUSE MINISTRIES

In 2021, Let’s go deeper by helping those living on the streets and homeless camps in Central Oregon.

Volunteer Opportunities include: Mobile Outreach Services, Winter Shelter Services, Emergency Food and Clothes Support

shepherdshouseministries.org Serving: Redmond, Bend

BETHLEHEM INN IT’S NOT JUST WHAT WE DO, IT’S HOW WE DO IT TOGETHER! Bethlehem Inn has been committed to transforming lives together with shelter, help and hope since 1999.

We believe in the worth of every human being and know that when people have the right tools, they can reclaim their dignity and return to a life of self-sufficiency. As the leading emergency shelter in Central and Eastern Oregon, we provide a warm, safe place to sleep, three nourishing meals each day, clothing and access to services for up to 150 adults and children every night.

Inn residents are grateful for the community support that allows each person to find ways to adapt and cope during these unusual and isolating times. The community’s commitment to helping people in crisis gives our team the ability to pivot as necessary to ensure each resident is staying healthy, while also working on their goals of moving forward with their lives.

Now, more than ever, we as a community need to unite together to help ensure that food, clothing and housing are accessible for all. Together, through compassion, dignity and accountability, lives can be transformed. Visit bethleheminn.org for more information.

Serving: Bend, Redmond, Prineville, Sisters, Madras - Jefferson County, La Pine, Sunriver, Warm Springs

APR MAY JUN AUG OCT

Bethlehem Inn 3705 N Hwy 97, Bend OR 97703 PO Box 8540, Bend OR 97708 541-322-8768 kim@bethleheminn.org bethleheminn.org www.WhatIfWeCould.com • 27

BASIC NEEDS

MAR APR

Shepherd’s House 1854 NE Division St., Bend OR 97701 541-388-2096 www.shepherdshouseministries.org

FURNISH HOPE Together, We Furnish Hope & Homes We furnish homes for families transitioning into stable housing by collecting, storing and redistributing furniture and household essentials. We partner with dozens of area nonprofits and social service agencies, working on a referral basis, to provide a layer of support that in the past has not existed. Once referred, we connect with the family to better understand their needs. Our team then gathers and delivers the requested home goods. Together, we furnish hope and homes. Your donation, no matter the amount, will allow us to continue providing the comforts of home for our Central Oregon neighbors in need.

BASIC NEEDS

Serving: Bend, Redmond, Prineville, Sisters, Madras - Jefferson County, La Pine, Sunriver, Warm Springs

Furnish Hope 1006 SE 9th Street - Bend, OR 97702 541-638-0657 hello@furnishhope.com www.furnishhope.com

MAR JUN SEPT

“… furnish hope for those who cannot afford basic household essentials by collecting and delivering donated home goods?”

“… offer safety, hope, and healing to survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual assault and engages Central Oregon to build life free from violence.”

— Furnish Hope

— Saving Grace

“… help people build wealth and stability for their family by making home ownership affordable.”

“… ensure food delivery throughout Central Oregon to residents struggling with hunger and food insecurity — to feed the 32,000 people who rely on NeighborImpact’s Food Bank every month?”

— First Story

— NeighborImpact

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

SAVING GRACE Saving Grace is the only organization in Central Oregon serving survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. Our services include: crises intervention, safety planning, access to emergency shelter, youth violence prevention, support groups and counseling, legal and court advocacy, supervised parenting visits and safe child exchanges at our Mary’s Place center, and more. If you or someone you know needs help, please call our 24-Hour Helpline: (541) 389-7021.

Serving: Bend, Redmond, Prineville, Sisters, Madras – Jefferson County, La Pine, Sunriver, Warm Springs

APR JUN JUN JUN JULY OCT OCT DEC DEC 28 • SPRING 2021 • TOGETHER WE CAN

Saving Grace 1004 NW Milwaukee Ave., Suite 100, Bend 541-382-9227 partner@saving-grace.org saving-grace.org

EVENTS

VOLUNTEER

FUNDRAISING

IN-KIND DONATION

NEW EACH MORNING NEW EACH MORNING partners with women graduates from local recovery programs, connecting them to the people and resources needed to successfully transition into the workplace and our community by offering: • Personal Connection Advocates to meet with weekly • Strategic planning in preparing for employment and life • Assistance with resumes, job search, work attire • “Personal Best” presentation services • Workshops: Parenting, Relationships, and other life skills Knowing you are not alone develops strengths that bring the daily victories. Connection is key and that is what we do through NEW EACH MORNING.

New Each Morning 509-947-9662 NewEachMorning@gmail.com www.NewEachMorning.org

Serving: Bend, Redmond

APR JUN

ReachAnother Foundation is dedicated to saving the lives of children born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus in Ethiopia. Our mission is to help our Ethiopian partners build the medical self-sufficiency that the country needs to address the tragedy of neural tube defects. The creation of Centers of Excellence in pediatric neurosurgery and aftercare, and our prevention awareness activism are seeding a powerful force for change that is gaining the support of government, medical professionals, international ReachAnother Foundation organizations, and donors like you.

1900 NE 3rd St. #106-307, Bend, OR 97701 541-325-3668 info@reachanother.org www.reachanother.org

Serving: Bend (international)

OUT CENTRAL OREGON We promote inclusivity and visibility of LGBTQ+ people by building partnerships with businesses, government, and other organizations to bring culture, education, social activities, and wellness to the LGBTQ+ community and our allies. Our events encourage community involvement. “OUT in Focus” — a collaborative partnership with BendFilm — aims to increase access to films which highlight diversity and inclusion. “Winter PrideFest” and “Bend Pride 5k Run” support our belief that inclusivity is inherent in the outdoors, where diversity is embraced. Our “You Are Welcome Here” campaign has distributed thousands of Progress Flag stickers to businesses to show their solidarity for marginalized groups everywhere.

Serving: Bend, Redmond, Prineville, Sisters, Madras - Jefferson County, La Pine, Sunriver

JUN

OUT Central Oregon P.O. Box 1204 Bend, Oregon, 97709 458-206-0588 info@outcentraloregon.com OUTCentralOregon.com www.WhatIfWeCould.com • 29

HEALTH & WELLBEING

ReachAnother FOUNDATION

ROCK BOTTOM HOPE Rock Bottom Hope is a relational driven organization that provides Hope Coaches, community, and resources for those at or affected by rock bottom circumstances. In general we know there is a lack of authentic relationship and it’s not easy for people to find a judgement free zone. So we aim to meet people at the heart of the matter and help them find HOPE, even at rock bottom.

Whether it’s drugs, alcohol, grief, or just life’s hard patches; we provide a safe place to talk about life and help guide people to resources or professional health. Rock Bottom Hope is for everyone!

HEALTH & WELLBEING

JULY

Rock Bottom Hope PO BOX 5591, Bend OR 97708 541-508-7794 danny@rockbottomhope.org www.rockbottomhope.org

Serving: Bend, Redmond, Prineville, Sisters, Madras - Jefferson County, La Pine, Sunriver, Warm Springs

THE GIVING PLATE The Giving Plate is a grass-roots, family-founded food pantry started in April 2010. It has since become the largest food pantry in Central Oregon and has a special focus on childhood hunger. The Giving Plate has three hungerfighting programs: Food Boxes, Kid’s Korner, and Backpacks for Bend. Learn more about these programs at: www.thegivingplate.org/programs. In 2020, we helped over 10,000 families with a week’s worth of food in our food box program (that is over 659,000 meals) and provided over 13,500 bags of food to children 0-18 through our Kid’s Korner program. When you partner with The Giving Plate you are feeding your neighbors next door. Together we can fight hunger and feed hope.

MAR JUN SEPT DEC

Serving: Bend, Redmond, Warm Springs, Madras-Jefferson County, Prineville, Sisters, Sunriver, La Pine

The Giving Plate 1245 SE 3rd Street, Suite C7, Bend OR 97702 541-797-6883 www.thegivingplate.org

UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL OREGON 2020, and all it included, put a spotlight on financial and racial inequalities in our region and nation.

40% of Central Oregonians were already living on the edge before COVID-19. Now, that number is growing.

Every day, United Way of Central Oregon (UWCO) is improving local lives: feeding people, keeping them in their homes, and protecting our most vulnerable.

UWCO is driving the change that’s building a resilient Central Oregon.

Serving: all of Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson Counties, and the lands of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.

SEPT OCT NOV DEC 30 • SPRING 2021 • TOGETHER WE CAN

United Way of Central Oregon 1130 NW Harriman St., Bend 97703 541-389-6507 info@unitedwaycentraloregon.org unitedwaycentraloregon.org

EVENTS

VOLUNTEER

FUNDRAISING

IN-KIND DONATION

DESCHUTES COUNTY SEARCH AND RESCUE FOUNDATION The Foundation’s mission is to increase resources, raise funds, and promote public awareness in support of Search and Rescue (SAR) volunteer activities conducted by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. SAR services are provided free of charge to Deschutes County residents and visitors, including lost person searches, mountain and swiftwater rescues, medical emergencies, and wildfire evacuations. DCSAR consists of 120+ volunteers in multiple specialty teams, that respond to over 100 missions every year and contribute more than 30,000 hours annually to missions, trainings, and community events. Funds raised by the Foundation provide needed training, equipment, and mission support to SAR volunteers.

Serving: Bend, Redmond, Sisters, Sunriver, La Pine.

Deschutes County Search and Rescue Foundation PO Box 5722, Bend, OR, 97708 541-357-7273 www.deschutessearchandrescue.org

HEALTH & WELLBEING

MOSAIC MEDICAL Mosaic Medical’s mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of the individuals, families and communities we serve.

Through a network of 15 clinics across Bend, Redmond, Madras and Prineville, Mosaic Medical serves a patient base of 27,000 individuals - some of whom have been the hardest hit by the effects of COVID-19.

While our patients are strong and resilient, many aspects of their lives have become uncertain because of the various impacts that COVID-19 has had on our community. Job losses, limited affordable housing and lack of affordable healthcare have devastated some Central Oregonians. A donation to Mosaic Medical will ensure that families won’t have to question the cost of their medical, dental, mental health and medication services when needs arise. You can help us provide high quality and affordable care for all.

Serving: Bend, Redmond, Madras, and Prineville

MAY JUN SEPT

If you wish to donate to Mosaic Medical, please visit mosaicmedical.org/support or mail your check to:

Mosaic Medical Attn: Development 600 SW Columbia, Suite 6150 Bend, OR 97702 www.WhatIfWeCould.com • 31

HEALING REINS VOLUNTEER AT HEALING REINS! Healing Reins offers horse-centered therapies and experiences to people of all ages and abilities. We are most in need of Volunteer people power to bring our therapeutic and horsemanship services to life.

• Join the Barn Team keeping our horses happy, healthy and safe.

• Become a Side-Walker supporting participants during sessions

• Be a Horse Leader responsible for horses before, during and after lessons.

• Join our Facilities team helping with repairs and landscaping.

• Come party with our Events Team!

No requirement for how often you volunteer. No horse experience required!

Visit www.healingreins.org/volunteer/ Serving: Bend, Redmond, Prineville, Sisters, Madras – Jefferson County, La Pine, Sunriver, Warm Springs

HEALTH & WELLBEING

MAR APR JUN JULY SEPT OCT DEC

Healing Reins PO Box 5593, Bend, OR 97708 541-382-9410 www.healingreins.org

DESTINATION REHAB Empowering adults with disabilities, our top priorities for the next 3-5 years are to: 1) Break the cycle of isolation, 2) Develop peer leaders in this community, 3) Develop programs promoting wellness and outdoor adventure.

Your donation is critical to support new programs for fitness, wellness and outdoor adventure. These programs break the cycle of isolation felt by many with Stroke, Parkinson’s, Brain Injury and Multiple Sclerosis.

Serving: Bend, Redmond

MAY JULY

Destination Rehab PO Box 8316, Bend, OR, 97708 541-241-6837 connect@destinationrehab.org www.destinationrehab.org

EMBER’S WILDFLOWER ANIMAL SANCTUARY AND BUNNY RESCUE At Ember’s our main focus is taking in unwanted bunnies (including special needs), spay/neuter, provide proper bunny care education, then adopt into loving, indoor homes. Being the only bunny rescue in Central Oregon since January 2019, we’ve taken in 145 bunnies, spay/neutered 100; adopted out 92 as of 1/29/21 and rely solely on volunteers and donations. We recently completed our new Bunny Barn which is allowing us to take in triple the amount of bunnies that we’ve taken in over the past two years. We have made a huge difference in the lives of bunnies so far and look forward to helping more.

Serving: Bend, Redmond, Prineville, Sisters, Madras - Jefferson County, La Pine, Sunriver

MAR APR MAY JUN

Ember’s Wildflower Animal Sanctuary and Bunny Rescue 2584 SW 58th St, Redmond, OR 97756 541-419-9173 Wildflowerbunnylove@gmail.com | Emberswildflower.org

32 • SPRING 2021 • TOGETHER WE CAN

EVENTS

VOLUNTEER

FUNDRAISING

IN-KIND DONATION

DOGPAC DogPAC brings you THE ONLY DOG-FRIENDLY GROOMED SKI TRAILS IN OREGON! Please help us maintain Wanoga SnoPark and our other dog-friendly activities. (You can even become a trail groomer!)

Come volunteer with us, join our board, or donate at www.dogpac.org.

All donations are tax-deductible and used to support our dog-friendly activities like trail grooming at Wanoga, poop disposal at Rimrock and Phil’s, free workshops on dog health and behavior, and more.

Serving: Central Oregon

DogPAC P.O. Box 2091, Bend, OR 97709 happytails@dogpac.org DogPAC.org

THINK WILD

ANIMAL WELFARE

Think Wild is a public non-profit wildlife hospital and conservation center located in Bend, Oregon. Our mission is to not only to provide the necessary veterinary care for injured native wildlife, but to ultimately reduce the need for wildlife rehabilitation.

Through education, outreach, and conservation services, Think Wild works to ensure sustainable growth for humans and wildlife in Central Oregon for years to come.

If you ever find injured, orphaned or abandoned wildlife in need or have wildlife questions or concerns, please call our wildlife hotline at (541) 241-8680.

Our dedicated staff and volunteers will do our best to ensure a positive outcome for both you and the wild animal.

Serving: Bend, Sisters, Redmond, Prineville, Sunriver, Terrebonne Madras, La Pine, Warm Springs

APR APR JUN

Think Wild Central Oregon PO Box 5093 Bend, OR 97708 541-933-5437 info@thinkwildco.org www.thinkwildco.org www.WhatIfWeCould.com • 33

ANIMAL WELFARE

EQUINE OUTREACH Equine Outreach Inc. (EOI) has provided for the physical rescue, rehabilitation, rehoming and sanctuary for neglected, abused and unwanted equines since 2004. We touch the lives of our community by providing a safe place for community groups and individuals to interact with, learn about and receive the healing benefits of being around horses.

We work with law enforcement and a variety of other community groups to advocate for, educate about and provide support for equines and their owners around Central OR. Serving: Bend, Redmond, Prineville, Sisters, Madras Jefferson County, La Pine, Sunriver, Warm Springs

Equine Outreach Horse Rescue Inc 2660 NE Hwy 20, Ste 610-548 Bend, OR 97701 www.equineoutreach.com equineoutreach@yahoo.com

MAR APR M-JN JULY AUG AUG OCT DEC

The Deschutes River Conservancy has been dedicated to bringing people together to create consensusbased solutions to complex water issues in the basin since 1996. Through our partnerships, the DRC has been able to restore more than 93,000 gallons per minute to our local rivers and streams. Just 25 years ago, flows in the Middle Deschutes (shown left) would get so low in the summer months, that fish habitat would be severely impacted. Today, summer flows have increased four-fold (shown lower right), improving habitat for fish and wildlife.

This is tremendous progress, but there is still more work to do. As our community comes together to make unprecedented basinwide restoration efforts, we hope you’ll join us in leaving a legacy of healthy rivers in Central Oregon for our children and grandchildren.

Photo: Arian Stevens

ENVIRONMENT

DESCHUTES RIVER CONSERVANCY

HOW FUNDS WILL BE USED DESCHUTES RIVER CONSERVANCY Your gift supports the Deschutes River Conservancy’s mission to restore streamflow and improve water quality in the Deschutes River Basin. Be a part of this critical moment in the stewardship of our rivers and streams.

APR DEC 34 • SPRING 2021 • TOGETHER WE CAN

Deschutes River Conservancy 700 NW HIll Street, Ste. 1, Bend OR 97703 541-382-4077 info@deschutesriver.org deschutesriver.org

Deschutes River Conservancy celebrates 25 years; appoints new director Water connects us all.

It brings life to our arid landscape through the Deschutes River and its tributaries, and it makes up 60% of our bodies. We all need water to live, work and play. For decades however, there’s been a deep inequity in how water diverted from our local rivers

25 YEARS OF RESTORing the RIVERS OF

is used within our basin. For 25 years, we’ve brought diverse voices together to make water use more equitable for fish, farms,

THE DESCHUTES BASIN

and families. Please join us as we work toward better sustainability in the Deschutes Basin for today and for future generations.

Kate Fitzpatrick named DRC’s new Executive Director “I believe that the DRC’s unique approach to collaborative restoration results in the most durable solutions for our rivers and community.”

K AT E F I T Z PAT R I C K DRC Executive Director

S AV E T H E D AT E :

APRIL 22 A Virtual celebration & fundraiser in honor of

the deschutes river basin

GET TICKETS:

DESCHUTES RIVER.ORG

CEL EB RAT ION

www.WhatIfWeCould.com • 35

SISTERS FOLK FESTIVAL Sisters Folk Festival is a year round nonprofit organization that strengthens community and transforms lives through music and art.

Serving: Bend, Redmond, Prineville, Sisters, Madras – Jefferson County, La Pine, Sunriver, Warm Springs

Sisters Folk Festival P.O. Box 3500, PMB 304, Sisters, OR 97759 541-549-4979 admin@sistersfolkfestival.org www.sistersfolkfestival.org

MAY JUN JULY AUG OCT

ARTS

“… offer even more relevant, compelling, immediate news, information, and analysis about Central Oregon, from Central Oregonians, while offering great music too.”

— KPOV, High Desert Community Radio

“… tap into the rich musical heritage of Americana music and use the Sisters Folk Festival to create school and community programs that educate and entertain a multigenerational audience.”

— Sisters Folk Festival Inc

“… utilize creativity and mindfulness to promote conscious activism and affect lasting, positive social change in our lives and our community.”

— World Muse

KPOV 88.9 FM, HIGH DESERT COMMUNITY RADIO 2021 is KPOV’s 16th Anniversary of creating radio by the people and for the people of Central Oregon. We strengthen arts, culture, community and democracy through independent, noncommercial radio. KPOV has served our community with unfiltered and unvarnished community radio since 2005, lifting up local voices and facilitating thoughtful dialogue on important issues. Nearly every day we talk with local nonprofits about their work. 65 volunteer DJs produce 10 local affairs shows, an eclectic mix of music on 40 unique programs, and local music live from our studios. Our youth programs empower young voices and spark creativity.

Serving: Bend, Redmond, Prineville, Sisters, Madras - Jefferson County, La Pine, Sunriver

APR

OCT

Membership Drive

36 • SPRING 2021 • TOGETHER WE CAN

KPOV 88.9 FM, High Desert Community Radio 501 NW Bond Street, Bend, OR 97703 541-322-0863 info@kpov.org kpov.org

EVENTS

VOLUNTEER

FUNDRAISING

IN-KIND DONATION

WORLD MUSE World MUSE is a non-profit organization committed to supporting women and youth as change-makers. We believe in the enormous potential of individuals to inspire positive change in their communities and in our world.

World MUSE has been providing programming and platforms to inspire positive social change for over a decade.

Some of our highlights include: • 5,000+ attendees have joined us at MUSE Conference.

• 1,000+ youth in Bend, Redmond, and Madras have participated in MUSE Clubs.

• $40,000+ has gone to support local and global grass-roots projects through MUSE Makers.

• Featuring local and global activists, artists, athletes, and entrepreneurs championing positive change.

• Producing a documentary film featuring youth change-makers from Central Oregon.

• Partnering with Visit Bend to host a month-long celebration of women in our community.

The past 8 months, have presented a new set of challenges for all of us. As a small non-profit, we’ve remained committed to our mission by: • Providing online anti-racism resources.

• Offering our MUSE Club programming virtually.

ARTS

• Partnering with High Desert Museum and others to host an online Youth Summit.

• Creating an interview series amplifying the voices of local BIPOC community members.

• Producing a documentary film featuring local and global activists addressing current events.

YOUR SUPPORT MAKES A DIFFERENCE. BECOME A MUSE MEMBER TODAY. Annual Muse Memberships support our youth programming along with events and projects that inspire individuals to be advocates for change.

They also allow us to help support important social change efforts in our local community. We are committing 25% of our membership funds to support BIPOC-led grassroots initiatives in Central Oregon. This means your gift has an even bigger ripple effect.

Serving: Bend, Redmond

MAR

World Muse 2540 NW French Court, Bend, OR 97703 info@theworldmuse.org www.theworldmuse.org www.WhatIfWeCould.com • 37

EVENTS

VOLUNTEER

FUNDRAISING

IN-KIND DONATION

DISABILITIES

DIVERSABILITY INC. Our mission is to empower community connections for individuals experiencing diversabilities and their families. Diversabilities cross cultural, ethnic, race, gender, socioeconomic and geographic boundaries; people with diversabilities comprise the largest group of marginalized people on the planet. Diversability Inc. programs and projects ensure that individuals with diversabilities are elevated to their potential and valued as citizens in our communities.

Investing in our communities is a powerful demonstration of how we affect change. We invite you to join us in our charge towards equity and inclusion by investing time, wisdom, or money to our dynamic organization!

Our programs include: • Integrated Employment • Pivot Advising Program

• Sibling Groups • Down Syndrome Connection

Serving: Bend, Redmond

MAR JUN SEPT

“… triple our outreach efforts to reach more of the 20,000+ veterans in Central Oregon?”

— Central Oregon Veterans Ranch

Diversability Inc. PO Box 1481, Bend, OR 97709 541-678-2704 diversabilityinc@gmail.com www.diversabilityinc.org @diversabilityinc

“… connect every woman graduating from a local recovery program to the resources and connections needed to continue on in their new life as they transition into our community and workplace!”

— New Each Morning | Frontline Foundation

“… enhance inclusivity, diversity, and visibility of the LGBTQ+ community within art, culture, and outdoor experiences in Central Oregon.”

— OUT Central Oregon

“… live in a genuinely inclusive community where people with diversabilities are wholeheartedly accepted and appreciated.”

— Diversability Inc.

CENTRAL OREGON VETERANS RANCH

VETERANS

Central Oregon Veterans Ranch (COVR) is a 19-acre working Ranch and community hub that provides critical resources and support for veterans and families impacted by war.

Your contribution to COVR supports FREE programs for veterans in farming, ranching, and hydroponics, community garden plots for veterans and their families, and structured and unstructured veteran peer support services.

By supporting COVR, you support not only the veteran community, but the many people and organizations whose lives are connected to Central Oregon’s 20,000 veterans, meeting the critical need for community support after military service.

MAY

Serving: Bend, Redmond, Prineville, Sisters, La Pine, Sunriver, Warm Springs

38 • SPRING 2021 • TOGETHER WE CAN

Central Oregon Veterans Ranch 65920 61st Street, Bend, OR, 97703 541-706-9062 www.covranch.org

Thank you!

WhatIfWeCould was just an idea 3 years ago - but with the help and support of a few, the idea was born - raising more than $1.2 million through a partnership with the SOURCE, and brining awareness to over 100 local Central Oregon nonprofits. Without these early supporters of the vision - it would not have been possible. Thank you for your support!

www.WhatIfWeCould.com • 39

back page ad tk

40 • SPRING 2021 • TOGETHER WE CAN