Grief is universal and support, understanding, and counseling can help someone in the grieving process. We talked to Sarah Peterson, founder of the nonprofit Clear Mourning, about dealing with grief not only during the holidays but throughout the year. Information on the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) and available services in Central Oregon are also covered.
Electrification with Neil Baunsgard from The Environmental Center
Neil Baunsgard is Climate and Transportation Policy Manager at The Environmental Center. He visits The Point to talk about electrification - the effort to replace technologies and appliances that currently use fossil fuels with electric alternatives - and how the City of Bend is trying to reduce fossil fuel use in its buildings.
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.
Latino Community Association Offers Services to Immigrants and Empowers Families
Lucia Barragan, Development Manager for the Latino Community Association (LCA), and Patricia Pizarro, an immigration attorney with LCA, talk about services available to the Latino Community through their organization, including legal representation on immigration issues. They also discussed their sold-out luncheon focusing on empowering families and supporting the Central Oregon immigrant population.
The Transition Out of Safe Parking
Rick Russell, Executive Director of Mountain View Community Development, and Keith Wilson, a recent graduate of the Safe Parking Program, talk about Safe Parking and about living in an RV. This edition of the Wednesday Point was hosted by Louise Kaplan and Carolyn Esky.
Bethlehem Inn - Transforming lives for 25 years
Gwenn Wysling, Executive Director of Bethlehem Inn, discusses 25 years of transforming lives through shelter, help and hope toward the vision of ending homelessness in Central Oregon - even if it must be done one person at a time.
J Bar J Ranch - Improving the Lives of Runaway and Homeless Youth
Eliza Wilson, Director of Runaway and Homeless Youth Programs at J Bar J Ranch, provides a full overview of the comprehensive services that help stabilize at-risk youth and provide them the opportunity to have positive agency over their lives.
High Desert Food and Farm Alliance - Supporting Local Farmers and Ranchers
The High Desert Food and Farm Alliance helps feed the Central Oregon community by connecting farmers and ranchers with community businesses and citizens. A recent three-year grant from the US Department of Agriculture and will be used to enhance community connections and promote the sustainability of the farming/ranching community.
Family Access Network - Advocates in Schools
Kai Myers, Stewardship Coordinator for the Family Access Network, talks about the outreach, programs and services provided to underserved students and families through school-based advocates.
The Future of Mt. Bachelor - City Club of Central Oregon December 2024 Forum
Daisy Layman, President Elect and the Forum Lead for the City Club of Central Oregon, talks about the December forum discussion on the recent announcement of the decision to sell Mt Bachelor. Local and out-of-town experts explore the options, consequences, and possible challenges of the sale.
Recycling with Kavi Chokshi from The Environmental Center
Kavi Chokshi is the Rethink Waste Program Manager for The Environmental Center in Bend. He talked about America Recycles Day, how recycling is done in Central Oregon, and how reducing and reusing can help reduce waste overall.
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.
Think Wild - Conversation with Molly Honea, Development and Communications Coordinator
This conversation covers the organization and the rescue of wildlife, especially birds, native to Oregon. Emphasis is placed on the impact of lead bullets on wildlife and humans and the importance of education to the hunting community.
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.
Bend City Update October 2024
Assistant City Attorney Ian Lighthouse and City Councilor Megan Perkins discuss how Bend could be impacted by the Supreme Court decision regarding homeless individuals and whether removal is considered cruel and unusual punishment. They also cover the housing shortage in Bend and the impact on plans for action for both City and County.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Donna Britt, Development Director for Saving Grace, talks about the challenges facing victims of domestic abuse (intimate partner violence) and options for survivors.
21 Years of BendFilm
Selin Sevinc, Program Director, and Giancarlo Gatto, Executive Director of BendFilm talk about the upcoming 21st annual Bend Film Festival, what it takes to make it in the indie movie space, and diverse access to films across Central Oregon. The Wednesday Point is hosted by Louise Kaplan and Harrison McKinney.
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.
Diane Hodiak from 350 Deschutes
Diane Hodiak is the Executive Director of 350 Deschutes, an environmental watch group. 350 Deschutes is hosting the 9th annual Go Clean Energy Conference on October 2nd at COCC. She talks about what attendees can expect and how to get the most out of the event.
HumanHub with huong tran from Embrace Bend and Matt Muchna from Envision Bend
huong tran from Embrace Bend and Matt Muchna from Envision Bend talk about HumanHub - a collaboration of the two organizations. They also provide details about the Community Belonging Conversation event on September 26th. More information at www.facebook.com/embracebendpage and www.envisionbend.org.