Since 1968, when we have seen an unmet need and youth struggling in Central Oregon, we have added programs to help them. We now have seven separate programs, each providing a spectrum of services. We are the largest social services organization helping youth in Central Oregon.
Central to all of our programs is the idea that our thoughts and beliefs influence our choices, and our choices define our futures. If we can learn recognize unhelpful thoughts and mistaken beliefs, we can choose a brighter future.
Links to our programs are below, or see an overview here.
FEATURED DONOR – Don Smith
Celebrating Gratitude and Community
This is the season we think about gratitude and how we might express that in service and kindness to one another. We pause to be grateful for family, friends, food, shelter, education, and our jobs! We give thanks for our very good lives!
We also pause this time of year to remember the people in our communities that don’t have these things, and we find ways to contribute to their lives.
At J Bar J, services are focused on youth and families. Our mission is to promote self-sufficiency and personal responsibility among at-risk youth and families through mentoring, counseling, educational support and residential treatment. Our programs provide safe spaces for young people to live while they continue their education, find jobs, reform their lives and become productive adults.
It takes a significant number of committed staff and supporters to meet this mission! This November we are grateful for our team and for our donors. We take a pause to thank our Caregivers and to honor a couple who have contributed significantly to our mission.
Honoring Don and Nancy Smith
We thank Don and Nancy Smith for their many contributions to youth in Central Oregon through J Bar J, but also through their service to the broader community. Both educators by training, Don and Nancy have helped youth and families in so many ways! Don wrangled his friends and business associates to help build the Vocational Training building at J Bar J and then helped to build Veterans Village for homeless Veterans. Don has served on the Bend Parks and Recreation Board and was involved in the development of many of the Bend Parks, just to name a few projects. Nancy, the quiet partner, continues to be the wind beneath his sails, and in addition to wrangling Don, devotes 2 days a week to helping kids at Miller Elementary school learn to read. As Don recently celebrated his 80th birthday, we feel blessed to count him and Nancy as friends of J Bar J. Thank you Don & Nancy for being wonderful community members and dedicated to the next generations!
Our Impact
Facilitating positive change for youth: our goal is to see youth succeed as happy, healthy adults who contribute to their families and their community.
We believe in the importance of each child, focusing on their strengths and building resilience. We are proud of the hard work they do while they are with us to change their thinking and behaviors
Thank you to the following organizations who partner with us:
