Community members answer the call to support children and families.

In April of 1990, Deschutes County District Attorney Mike Dugan sends a mock “subpena” (misspelling intended) to a group of local citizens. This clever ploy encourages community leaders to attend a special presentation by experts in the field of child abuse. At this presentation, experts discuss their work with children’s advocacy centers in Oregon and Washington. Attendees are inspired to better support local children and families impacted by abuse.

The dream takes shape.

A core focus group begins meeting to research models for a Children’s Advocacy Center. This group includes community activists Sue Shepardson and Sue Hollern (affectionately known as “The Two Sues,”), Deschutes County District Attorney Mike Dugan and Assistant DA Chris Gardner, Bend Police Chief Dave Malkin, Lt. Andy Jordan, and Child Protective Services Branch Manager Don Probasco.

With input from the community, child service professionals, and the CARES program from Emanuel Hospital in Portland, the vision evolves into a center offering child advocacy, therapy and medical assessments.

Funding paves the way.

With input from Chris Gardner, a Central Oregon prosecutor, the Oregon Legislature established the Child Abuse Multidisciplinary Intervention (CAMI) Program. CAMI funds support the development of multidisciplinary teams (MDT) including child welfare investigators, law enforcement officers, and county prosecutors. KIDS Center would become the Chair and Coordinator of the Deschutes County MDT in 1995, with support from CAMI funds.

Breaking ground.

After two years of planning and dreaming, crews break ground on May 3, 1993. The three cabins on the Deschutes Children’s Foundation site (called Faith, Hope and Charity) are demolished to make way for KIDS Center. Bend business owner Jan Wick serves as the general contractor, with the help of Rust Gilchrist and Walt Schloer.

A truly grassroots effort, dozens of community members show up at the worksite to volunteer. It takes a year to complete the construction of KIDS Center.

Several local businesses generously donate construction supplies and labor to help build KIDS Center:

• Central Oregon Apprentices & Journeymen

• Consolidated Supply

• EOFF Electric

• Miller Lumber

• Jeldwen

• Parr Lumber

• Cascade Heating and Specialties

• Jack Robinson and Sons

• ADG Construction

Opening our doors.

KIDS Center officially opens on May 2, 1994. The 4,000 sq. ft. facility immediately begins serving children in Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties, as well as Warm Springs. Susan Robinson is appointed KIDS Center’s Program Administrator. St. Charles Medical Center provides masters-level Forensic Interviewers and Dr. Val Bailie volunteers her medical services for child abuse evaluations at KIDS Center. Deschutes County Behavioral Health establishes a part-time therapist at KIDS Center. In our first eight months of operation, KIDS Center serves 130 children.

Starting the Blue Ribbon Campaign

In April 1994, KIDS Center launches the Blue Ribbon Campaign to coincide with Child Abuse Prevention Month. The Blue Ribbon Campaign raises awareness and encourages the community to report suspected abuse.

Adding a Medical Director.

Up until this point, doctors and nursers from St. Charles Medical Center had been taking rotations at KIDS Center to provide medical examinations. With a growing number of children referred to KIDS Center for child abuse evaluations, there was a clear need for an on-site Medical Director. Dr. Susan Reichert joins KIDS Center as its first Medical Director.

In 1996, KIDS Center provides 78 medical evaluations, and 165 children receive therapy.

Prevention and education takes off.

KIDS Center launches a formal Prevention & Education Program (managed by Elaine Knobbs) and begins offering Darkness to Light trainings. Darkness to Light teaches adults how to spot and prevent child sexual abuse. KIDS Center sets a goal of training 5% of Central Oregon’s adult population (at the time, 7,600 adults). National research indicates reaching this 5% “tipping point” will increase protection for children in a community.

Expanding our facility.

Thanks to a capital campaign run by Deschutes Children’s Foundation—which raises $300,000—KIDS Center launches an expansion project to double the size of its physical building. This expansion will make it possible for KIDS Center staff to provide two child abuse evaluations at any given time. This same year, Oregon passes Karly’s Law, mandating evaluations for children with signs of physical abuse. KIDS Center begins to see more cases of physical abuse as a result.

Establishing a Family Support Department.

KIDS Center establishes a Family Support Department (now known as our Family Advocate Program). Research shows reducing stress for families in crisis helps children heal from abuse. The Family Support Department begins connecting local families with community resources to help meet critical needs.

Expanding therapy to families.

KIDS Center hires a therapist and begins offering therapy to children covered by the Oregon Health Plan. Like all of KIDS Center’s other services, therapy is offered at no cost to families.

Launching a new fundraiser.

The first Healing Hearts Luncheon takes place on May 28 and draws nearly 500 people to the Riverhouse Convention Center for a short program featuring former Bend Chief of Police Andy Jordan and Shannon Riggs, a children’s author, educator and survivor of child abuse. The event raises more than $117,000 to support services for local children and families impacted by abuse.

KIDS Center also establishes the Healing Hearts Society honoring donors who give $1000 or more annually.

Reaching rural communities.

KIDS Center launches a Rural Initiative to improve access to services for children and families in Jefferson and Crook counties.

The launch of Cork & Barrel: KIDS Center’s blockbuster benefit.

Held over three days at Tetherow Golf Club, this new outdoor food and wine event series welcomes wineries from Walla Walla wine region. Cork & Barrel draws 363 attendees and raises $280,000 for KIDS Center.

A new training for parents and caregivers.

KIDS Center develops “Let’s Talk About It,” a training for parents and caregivers on how to talk to kids of all ages about their bodies, boundaries, consent and more.

Reaching a tipping point.

KIDS Center reaches a tipping point in Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties, by meeting its prevention goal of training 10,000 of adults in Darkness to Light. This training teaches adults how to spot the signs of abuse, minimize opportunities, and make a report when abuse is suspected.

These 10,000 trainees reflect 5% of the adult population—a recognized tipping point for social issues to gain momentum and ignite.

Shining a light on internet safety.

KIDS Center begins offering a new internet safety training—SafetyNet to adults and kids in Central Oregon. This training, developed by the San Diego Police Foundation and the San Diego Internet Crimes Against Children Task force, teaches internet users how to be safe online. SafetyNet also offers guidance on how to behave ethically online and respond to cyberbullying and sexting.

Essential work continues during the pandemic.

The state of Oregon designates KIDS Center as an essential provider during the pandemic. KIDS Center adjusts staffing and scheduling to match state health guidelines for medical settings. KIDS Center also embraces a virtual approach to therapy and prevention trainings. Children and families still receive services, although the number of referrals for child abuse evaluations plummets across the country as kids are more isolated and school at home.

Referrals rise as kids return to school.

As the pandemic wanes and kids return to classrooms and extra-curricular activities, teachers and other mandatory reporters are able to see kids in person and observe potential signs of abuse. The number of families referred to KIDS Center rises dramatically.

Celebrating 30 years of impact.

In 2024, the organization has grown to 31 employees. Over the last 30 years, KIDS Center has trained more than 17,000 people in child abuse prevention, and served more than 17,000 children and families impacted by abuse.