J Bar J Programs

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 eight 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.
boy in vocational school

J BAR J BOYS RANCH and J5
Facilitating Positive Change for Youth: A residential treatment program for adjudicated teen boys, providing an opportunity to restructure thinking, succeed academically, and grow in responsibility. J5 offers short-term stabilization, assisting boys on parole or probation to move to lesser level of support by teaching intervention and de-escalation skills. Both are served through the J Bar J Learning Center, an on-site, private alternative school program contracted with the Bend-La Pine School District, which offers a diploma track and GED preparation and testing. They work to increase grade level and re-engage students in the learning process. As a part of their education, our new vocational program offers these boys a chance to learn about trades and develop skills to help them in the workplace.
Learn more about our programs for adjudicated boys and the learning center.

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF CENTRAL OREGON
Defenders of Potential: Matching professionally screened adult mentors (Bigs) and kids (Littles) to defend, ignite and empower their potential. Redefine what is possible for children in Central Oregon! Mentoring improves the futures of mentees through better grades, achievement of higher levels of education, and improved relationships. Young people with a mentor grow personally and have better social and economic opportunity than those who do not. Yet many kids in Central Oregon never have this opportunity, your donation will empower the next generation.
Learn more about our mentoring programs.

A girl representing youth helped by our programs

CASCADE YOUTH & FAMILY CENTER
A safe haven for young people in jeopardy: Providing youth experiencing homelessness with safe, stable living conditions, mediation with family, and innovative options for developing self-sufficiency. Providing survivors of human trafficking support for rebuilding their lives.

Homeless and Runaway Youth: Outreach provides youth living on the street with drop-in hours to shower and have a meal as well as get access to other help, including mediation with family. Emergency Shelter gives teens a safe place to escape the perils of living on the streets, and longer-term Transitional Living at the LOFT helps them complete their education and develop skills for self-sufficiency. CYFC offers only shelter and programs of its kind within 200 miles.
Learn more about our shelter and programs for homeless and runaway youth.

AT: PROJECT
Helping victims become survivors. Taking a multilevel approach to fighting human trafficking in Central Oregon. Working directly with victims to help them regain independence, safety, and stability, and to rebuild their lives. Providing comprehensive case management and crisis intervention, assist in creating safety plans, as well as offering much needed emotional support to survivors of sex and labor trafficking. Case managers also work with survivors to access community resources such as psychological counseling, medical care, emergency housing, transportation, and academic needs.

At: project is the member providing team coordination for the Deschutes County Commercially Sexually Exploited Children (CSEC) Response Team, the group responsible for responding to cases of human trafficking in Central Oregon. This team is a collaboration of agencies working together to coordinate and leverage resources to provide a comprehensive approach to child sex trafficking and services to victims and survivors.
Learn more about our program for victims of human trafficking

mom and baby representing our program for teen mothers

GRANDMA’S HOUSE
Essential nurturing resources for a fragile population: Emergency and transitional shelter to youth under 25 who are pregnant and/or parenting, or choosing adoption for their child. For over 20 years, this home has provided 24/7 hope, support, tools, and education to help young parents make good life decisions and become self-sufficient. A safe and supportive environment for young parents where they can learn about health and parenting, continue their education, and gain the needed life skills for a smooth transition into independent living or a safe return to family.  The only shelter and program of its kind east of the Cascades in Oregon.
Learn more about our shelter and programs for homeless and/or abused pregnant girls and young mothers.

KINDRED CONNECTIONS
Helping Families in crisis who lack a safety net: Mobilizing and equipping mentoring families and ten area church communities to provide support while parents work to secure stability for their families. Help provide mentoring relationships for parents and temporary housing for children to families in crisis who lack a safety net. Formerly called Safe Families for Children Central Oregon, the program connects families with needed support during a time of challenge, including possible job loss, serious illness, homelessness, or other issues that complicate parenting.
Learn more about our programs for families in crisis.

ACADEMY AT SISTERS
Empowering at-risk girls to lead healthy lives: A therapeutic boarding school using an approach blending both traditional and experiential therapies, such as:
Accountability-Based Cognitive Awareness helps address patterns which influence thoughts, emotions (feelings), choices, behaviors, and decision making.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy offers additional tools and coping strategies to help manage the behaviors and issues that are creating stress and discord.
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy affords a way to engage youth who are resistant to traditional talk therapy through the use of horses as a medium and metaphor to treatment.
Learn more about our therapeutic boarding school for girls.

OREGON HIGH DESERT CLASSICS
The prestigious Oregon High Desert Classics (OHDC) is the only event of its kind in Central Oregon. Approved by the US Hunter Jumper Association, and recipient of the highest AA rating from the US Equestrian Foundation, this show attracts world class riders from all over the US and Canada. One of only 25 to receive Heritage Horse Show designation, it is also the only show of its caliber which is primarily a fundraiser for a non-profit.

Each year, 600 horses and 3000 competitors gather at J Bar J Boys Ranch to compete for $150,000 in prizes on one of the last remaining grass footing rings in the country. Thousands of family, staff, vendors, and spectators join them, celebrating the athleticism of horses and riders, and enjoying a variety of food and shopping at the vendor booths.

Donations and sponsorships are instrumental to the success of OHDC and J Bar J Youth Services. Those who support this incredibly special event are not only bringing a world class horse show to Central Oregon, but also helping facilitate change for youth in jeopardy.
Learn more about our Hunter Jumper Show and primary fundraiser.