COCC's 2025 Season of Nonviolence

COCC's Nancy R. Chandler Lecture Series Coordinator, Charlotte Gilbride, and the Dean of Equity and Well-Being, Christy Walker, talk about the 2025 Season of Nonviolence presentations, the history of the Chandller Lecture Series, and the state of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Central Oregon Community College.

Big Brothers Big Sisters - The State of Mentorship in 2025

Jenn Davis, Program Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon, talks about the ongoing need for male mentors, with some boys waiting up to a year to be matched. She talks about the measurable benefits of a mentoring relationship, what it takes to become a mentor, and how BBBSCO works the parent and mentor for maximum benefit to the child.

Jingle Store and Santa's Plate - Outreach Programs of The Giving Plate

Ranae Staley, Executive Director of The Giving Plate, talks about the upcoming Jingle Store for kids in need, and Santa's Plate for families. She also talks about their efforts to provide food without stigma even as the number of families in need is growing exponentially while donations of food and money are dropping quickly.

Every Kid Sports - Born in Bend

Eleana Fanayka, Executive Director of Every Kid Sports, shares their new "Born in Bend" program intended to get more kids playing recreation sports in the high desert.

Camp Fire Afterschool in South County

Program Director Melanie Feltmate of Camp Fire Central Oregon explains efforts to reopen after-school programs after La Pine Park & Recreation abruptly suspends services early in the 2024 school year.

Oregon Housing and Community Services

Talia Kahn-Kravis, Assistant Director of Home Ownership Programs with Oregon Housing and Community Services, talks about state efforts to make home ownership more accessible by supporting local organizations and programs.

Oregon Desert Land Trust Update

Brent Fenty, Executive Director of the Oregon Desert Land Trust, discusses the breadth of their efforts to work with private land owners to preserve land for future generations.