MISSION: To empower youth and young adults through employment, job training, education, and service to Central Oregon communities.
VISION: We are a leader in empowering youth and young adults to transform their lives and their communities. Through this work, we will create opportunities for youth to thrive in Central Oregon.
Heart of Oregon is a Central Oregon non-profit powerfully engaging local youth ages 16-24. Through the WORKEARN-LEARN model of our programs, we provide paid training and certification in the fields of conservation, construction, childcare, and warehousing logistics.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Susan Harrison, President
Greg Weilert, Vice President
Tim Rusk, Treasurer
Lindy Levinson, Secretary
Derek Donavanik
Grant Jeffrey
Jasmine McCool
Kathleen Quinney
Kimberly Howard Wade
Lindsey Galloway
Luke Parazoo
Susie Browne
Tyler Wampler
EMPLOYER ADVISORY COUNCIL
Aperion Management Group
Apollo Mechanical Contractors
Aspen Landscaping
Bend Landscape
BG4
BasX Solutions
Central Oregon Tree Experts
CR Contracting
CS Construction
East Cascade Works
Hayden Homes
Bend Headquarters
1291 NE 5th Street, Bldg. A Bend, OR 97701
Main Phone: (541) 633-7834
Sisters Office
68797 George Cyrus Road Sisters, OR 97759
Madras Office
59 SE 5th Street Madras, OR 97741
Kirby Nagelhout Construction
Knife River
Mid Oregon Credit Union
Mike’s Fence Center
Mt. Bachelor
OSU Cascades University
R&H Construction
Rosendin Electric
Skanska USA Inc.
Sunlight Solar
Sunriver Resort
CONTACT US
Prineville Office
495 NW Locust Street
Prineville, OR 97754
Redmond Training Center
835 E Hwy 126 Building #4
Redmond, OR 97756
Mailing Address
PO Box 279
Bend, OR 97709
info@heartoforegon.org
A NOTE TO OUR COMMUNITY
LETTER FROM LEADERSHIP
BUILDING FOR THE NEXT 25 YEARS AND BEYOND
For 25 years, Heart of Oregon has partnered with young people to create pathways to education, employment, and long-term stability, strengthening our community in the process. As we close our 25th anniversary year, that impact is fueling the next chapter.
This year brought meaningful momentum, including significant progress toward a centralized Heart of Oregon campus. Opening in fall 2026, the campus will increase access, strengthen support, and create new opportunities for local youth who need it most, while also bolstering our region’s workforce.
Our youth make lasting differences in our communities during their training. Join us in carrying this momentum forward to complete a campus that reflects their impact and serves our region for decades to come.
With gratitude,
Laura Handy, Executive Director
2025 FINANCIALS - OPERATING
*Unaudited 2025 Financials (prepared on an operating-only basis, with adjustments for planned reserve utilization)
OUR YOUTH
220
Youth Hired and Trained
$1,003,349 Wages and Stipends Earned
$120,890 Scholarships Earned
1,101 Acres of Public Lands Improved
35 Miles of Trails or Waterways Maintained 1 Affordable Home Built
208 Technical or Career Certifications Earned
OUR PROGRAMS AT A GLANCE
Ages 17-24
Serve outdoors on natural resource projects! Learn job skills and gain hands-on conservation experience!
Ages 16-24
WHO
Ages 16-24
WHAT
Earn your GED or high school diploma while learning job skills through building affordable housing or working with children!
Work with Deschutes County Solid Waste sorting recycling and litter patrol. Work on local fire fuel reduction projects!
Bend, Prineville, & Redmond Sisters & Redmond Bend
$618-$1,030 biweekly
$1,565-$2,817 AmeriCorps Education Award
Ages 16-18
Earn wages and learn job skills over the summer working with USFS to complete conservation projects and improve local public lands!
WHERE
Bend, Redmond, La Pine, Crescent, Madras, Warm Springs, Prineville, Sisters
PAY
$500 biweekly
$16/hour
$16/hour
Earn .5-1.0 credit through your high school
WHEN
Year-round 3-5 month term 2-5 days/week Year-round 12 month term 5 days/week Year-round 2-5 days/week Summer 8 week term 4 days/week
Ages 16-22
Leadership and job skills training for youth experiencing disabilities. Earn wages working on conservation projects, while having fun in a supportive experience!
Ages 17-24
Help fight food insecurity! Earn certifications in supply chain, warehousing, logistics, & food handling. Develop horticulture and leadership skills that open doors to future careers!
Central Oregon Madras
$16/hour
Camp LEAD (Summer): 1 week/5 day term Go! LEAD (Winter): 1-2 Saturdays a month
$817-$850 biweekly
$1,956-$2,817 AmeriCorps Education Award
Year-round 3-5 month term 4-5 days/week
CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF IMPACT
IN 25 YEARS, OVER 5,000 HOC YOUTH HAVE…
Constructed 40 affordable homes
Improved over 50,000 acres of public lands
Earned $2.5M in AmeriCorps education scholarships
TRI-COUNTY ANNIVERSARY PARTIES
We celebrated our 25th anniversary by holding reunion parties in Jefferson, Crook, and Deschutes counties. Thank you to our current youth, alumni, former staff and board, and partners for reconnecting with us, sharing memories, and celebrating our joint impact.
Through hands-on projects, our youth have left their bootprints and fingerprints across the region.
ALUMNI IN ACTION
JASMINE - At sixteen, Jasmine faced major obstacles—she had dropped out of high school, struggled with addiction, and wasn’t sure where to turn. After being introduced to Heart of Oregon Corps, she committed to a new path.
A decade later, Jasmine holds an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and teaches preschool in Madras. Now serving on the Heart of Oregon board, she says,
“ I would not be who I am today without Heart of Oregon Corps. I’m sober, I have a job I love, and I just bought my first house so my kids have a safe and stable place to grow up. ”
“
GONZALO - Over ten years ago, Gonzalo was working in fast food and searching for a new direction. He found it at Heart of Oregon, gaining hands-on construction and conservation skills. He shared,
Heart of Oregon was a really good experience that gave me the tools to put on my resume and get hired in the construction field. Everything I learned helped me be where I am now. ”
Today, Gonzalo is a Supervisor/Estimator with Lemon Shark Environmental Services and credits Heart of Oregon with giving him the skills, confidence, and connections to build his career.
JACOB - During high school, Jacob found himself heading down the wrong path. A community referral introduced him to Heart of Oregon, where he found a sense of belonging. Jacob describes Heart of Oregon as a place where young people can invest in themselves and their futures in ways they never before knew were possible.
“
Over two years, the YouthBuild program taught me a lot of valuable skills. The pre-apprenticeship certification made it easier for people to hire me. Heart of Oregon is also a safe haven for kids in the community, where you learn how to work and take care of yourself. ”
Today, Jacob is working as a Material Handler with Sunlight Solar and is actively building a future in the renewable energy field, with plans to pursue an apprenticeship and continue growing his career.
THANK YOU for being a part of the HEART OF OREGON LEGACY!
CENTRAL OREGON’S FIRST WORKFORCE CAMPUS
CENTRALLY LOCATED IN REDMOND, THE CAMPUS WILL INCLUDE:
• 3.44 acres of land and training buildings
• A youth-centered and trauma-informed design
• A new campus building with classrooms, offices, and meeting spaces
• An amenity-filled courtyard with gathering spaces
• A training warehouse for hands-on learning and workshops
• Equipment bays to support special projects and securely house tools
• Connection to satellite sites for rural youth access
We’re building the campus that SUPPORTS OUR YOUTH and drives our region forward
WHY IS A CENTRALIZED CAMPUS IMPORTANT?
Through a campus experience, youth on a workforce track will feel the same level of community support as their peers attending a traditional high school or college.
COLLABORATIVE The campus will offer shared space for training, convening, and community engagement. A central place to gather – a home away from home – will create a sense of belonging, camaraderie and an inspiring place to learn.
EDUCATIONAL The campus will expand Heart of Oregon’s capacity to train, employ, and mentor young adults. Youth will be supported in overcoming barriers to gain the credentials and job training needed to launch successful careers.
IMPACTFUL The campus will increase our efficiency in travel, equipment usage, and staffing. We will build a diverse, place-based, local talent pipeline. By boosting our regional workforce, we keep wages and talent in Central Oregon – and improve health, education, and economic outcomes for a lifetime.
With this campus, our youth will be better prepared to tackle our region’s greatest challenges –construction, childcare, food insecurity, wildfire risk mitigation and conservation.
OUR PROGRAMS
HIGH DESERT CONSERVATION CORPS
When they weren’t conducting fire fuels reduction, HDCC brought their impact into city limits by partnering with the City of Redmond. Crews worked alongside city arborists to prune trees, remove invasive plants, clear overgrowth and chip debris, enhancing public spaces for everyone to enjoy.
“ Being in HDCC allows me to work with an amazing crew and make the environment healthier and safer while having a lot of learning experiences. I enjoy getting to learn so much and getting to help the environment. I feel like I am doing something productive for society. ”
–RUSSELL
YOUTHBUILD
Construction track youth rolled up their sleeves to build an affordable home with Sisters Habitat for Humanity, then took on a shared-wall townhome with Thistle & Nest in Prineville. Along the way, they gained hands-on construction experience, in-demand trade skills, and industryrecognized certifications.
YouthBuild goes beyond construction! Our Child & Youth Development track gives participants hands-on experience in local childcare facilities while earning their Child and Youth Care certification. In 2025, four youth achieved this industry-recognized credential.
When they aren’t on the job site, participants work toward a high school diploma or GED with support from our licensed teachers. In 2025, 17 students earned their high school diplomas!
“
YouthBuild created an encouraging, judgment-free environment that pushed me to believe in my potential, overcome challenges, and stay committed to confidently earning my diploma. I truly couldn’t have done it without Heart of Oregon’s endless support!”
–JACKIE
OUR PROGRAMS STEWARDSHIP
Stewardship crews support waste reduction and recycling efforts at Deschutes County Solid Waste facilities. This year, members were especially proud to collect over 20 tons of garbage and recyclables!
“ It gives me a sense of worth doing this important work and being in a community. ” –JAKE
FOOD HEROES
We are thrilled to introduce a brand-new program launched this year in Jefferson County. Food Heroes members earn career certifications in warehousing, logistics, and supply chain management, while improving access to food in their community through partnerships with the Madras Community Food Pantry and Council on Aging of Central Oregon Meals on Wheels programs.
LEAD
(Leadership. Empowerment. Advocacy. Development)
Camp LEAD hired 26 youth experiencing disabilities for three one-week sessions at Caldera, combining paid natural resource work with summer camp activities. Go! LEAD expanded opportunities for 8 youth over the winter months.
Like Natalie, many LEAD participants use the program as a springboard into other Heart of Oregon programs, building the confidence and personal growth to explore new opportunities. Having participated in multiple programs, Natalie steps up as a leader to her peers, drawing on her experiences to guide and inspire others.
“ It
was empowering to step up to be a leader.
They want you to embrace who you are and become the leader you can be. ” –NATALIE
COYCC
(Central Oregon Youth Conservation Corps)
Did you know one of the countries largest and longest teen-serving youth conservation corps is right here in Central Oregon? The 2025 season engaged 53 youth ages 16-18 in 8 weeks of public lands conservation in partnership with the United States Forest Service. 11 crews, including 2 bridge crews of youth transitioning from Camp LEAD, dedicated 12,000 hours to improving public lands across Deschutes, Jefferson, Crook, and northern Klamath counties.
Empowering LOCAL Youth
2025 DONORS & SUPPORTERS
= Youth Crew Project Sponsor
Alert Safety Supply
Aperion Management Group
Autzen Foundation
Bank of America Charitable Foundation
Bend Foundation
Bend La Pine School District
Bend Park and Recreation District
Bessemer National Gift Fund
Bill Healy Foundation
Bollier Family Foundation
Bureau of Land Management
Caldera
Center for Rural Strategies - Rural Youth
Catalyst Project
Central Oregon Community College
Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council
CIRCLE @ Tufts University
City of Bend
City of Redmond
City of Sisters
Clark Foundation
The Corps Network
• AmeriCorps Opportunity Youth Service Initiative
• Urban and Community Forestry Initiative
Crevier Family Foundation
Crook County
Crook County School District
Coastal Community Foundation
Collins Foundation
Compass Commercial
Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation
Culver School District
Darhl & Donald Guinn Family Fund
Deschutes County
Deschutes County ARPA
Deschutes County Solid Waste
East Cascade Works
Eddie Williamson Family Foundation
Endless Summer Nights Sponsors & Attendees
Farm to Fork Sponsors & Attendees
First Interstate Bank Foundation
Ford Family Foundation
Gear Fix
Harmony Farms Sanctuary
Harvest Foundation
Hayden Homes
High Desert ESD - Culture of Care
Hydro Flask
Indian Land Tenure Foundation
Individual & Corporate Donors of 2025
Jefferson County 509J School District
Joseph & Elizabeth Hoffart
Charitable Foundation
JTMF Foundation
Les Schwab Tires
Madras Sanitary Service
Marie Lamfrom Foundation
Mary Alice and Bennett Brown Foundation
Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund
Mid Oregon Credit Union
Mike’s Fence Center
MJ Murdock Charitable Trust
Mt. Bachelor
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Not’Cho Grandma’s Bingo Supporters
Oliver Lemon’s- Sisters OR Opportunity Foundation
Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative
Oregon Community Foundation
• Community Grants Program
• Donald K. and Nancy M. Smith
• Esta Rose Fund
• Latino Partnership Program
• Max & Marie Anna Richter Family Fund
• Sue & Mike Hollern Family Fund
• Oregon Parks Foundation
Oregon Conservation Corps
HEART OF OREGON THANKS YOU!
= Campus Campaign Supporter
Oregon Department of Administrative Services
Oregon Department of Forestry
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
Oregon Serves
Oregon Youth Corps
Oregon Youth Development Division
O’Reilly Automotive Foundation
Panchura Quas Family Foundation
PGE Foundation
Providence Health Plan
Polaris Industries
R&H Construction
Redmond School District
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Rosendin Foundation
Roundhouse Foundation
Seattle Seahawks Charitable Foundation
Simplicity Fund of Vanguard Charitable
Sisters Community Foundation
Sisters Habitat for Humanity
Sisters Park and Recreation District
Sisters Rodeo Association
Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show
Sisters School District
Soar 4 Foundation
St. Charles Health System
Sundt Foundation
Sunriver Women’s Club
Swigert Foundation
TDS Telecom
Thistle & Nest
TMS
Trout Unlimited
Tykeson Family Foundation
Umpqua Bank Charitable Foundation
US Bank Foundation
US Department of Labor - YouthBuild
US Forest Service
• Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests
• Crooked River National Grassland
United States Fish and Wildlife Service
YouthBuild Global
• AmeriCorps
• OJJDP Mentoring
• Burlington Stores
AFFILIATIONS
Bend Chamber of Commerce
Central Oregon Builders Association
The Corps Network
Crook County Chamber of Commerce
Deschutes Trails Coalition
Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce
NatureConnect Central Oregon
Nonprofit Association of Oregon
Oregon Bureau of Labor & IndustriesApprenticeship & Training Division
