At Saving Grace, we believe that every survivor of intimate partner and sexual violence deserves safety, support and a pathway to healing — regardless of where they come from or what language they speak. But for many immigrant women in Central Oregon, seeking help isn’t just difficult; it feels impossible. Immigrant women in our community […]
Local News
Posted inNews
A Healing Practice for Women
The owner of a local pole dance studio talks about the empowerment of the practice
It was 2008. I was in college working toward my math degree at San Jose State University in California. During the weekdays, I worked as a math tutor to help make some extra money while putting myself through college. I was always told I was good at math. That might have been the only thing […]
Posted inNews
‘Wrapping Arms and Resources and HeartsAround Communities'
Trans rights, passport concerns and sports bans are just part of the worries shared by two members of the Central Oregon queer community
Jordan Kent is vice president of Bend Pride Coalition, the nonprofit organization that produces Bend’s Summer Pride. Ruth Vernotico is the founder of SUS, a local nonprofit working to increase visibility for 2SLGBTQIA+ people through print media, community engagement, education and celebration. In a conversation with the Source Weekly for our Women’s Issue, the two […]
Posted inNews
Going Forward After Dissolving a DEI Initiative
Deschutes County commissioners dissolved the County’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access Committee this month, citing a fear of losing federal funds. Two County employees share why those efforts still matter.
Janice Garceau is the director of Deschutes County Health Services, and Ashton Varner is a diversity, equity and inclusion strategist who also chaired the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access Committee that the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners dissolved in early February. The Source spoke with Garceau and Varner about the effects of that decision on […]
Posted inNews
Meeting the Moment for 19,000 Children and Families
Q&A with Cassi MacQueen, executive director of Deschutes Children’s Foundation, on the road ahead for nonprofits serving children and families
The Deschutes Children’s Foundation, through its four campuses in Bend, Redmond and La Pine, house a total of 23 partner organizations that serve over 19,000 children and families each year. As part of our Women’s Issue focuses on meeting the moment, and how local nonprofits are feeling the effects of changes at the federal level, […]
Posted inNews
The Recreation Industry and Trial Lawyers Battle Over Liability Waivers
House Bill 3140 is generating fireworks
Drownings on the Rogue River. Horrific — and sometimes fatal — ski accidents on Mount Hood and Mt. Bachelor. Stomach-turning sexual abuse at the hands of a trusted coach. And even being crushed nearly to death by an escaped 1,400-pound Sisters Rodeo bull named Party Bus. Those and other appalling anecdotes of recreation gone wrong […]
Posted inNews
For Campers Living East of Redmond: ‘Every Day Is a Struggle’
Kim Moss has lived in the encampment for more than a decade. She wants to find a permanent home, but due to housing scarcity and high cost, it remains elusive.
Kim “Tattoo Kimmy” Moss visited a cross that stands in the middle of a large encampment to the east of Redmond on a recent afternoon in February. Heavy snowfall from the previous night blanketed the area with about 4 inches of snow. The bright afternoon sun reflected off the snow, making the light exceptionally bright. […]
Posted inNews
Firefighting Camp for Women and Non-Binary People Canceled
Amid an increasing need for wildland firefighters, a camp aimed at helping young women and non-binary people pursue careers in fire is the latest casualty of Trump’s crusade against DEI
It was supposed to be the inaugural year of the Young Women’s Wildland Fire Career Camp. Billed as a free, multi-day, hands-on learning experience for women and non-binary people between 16 and 20 years old, the camp was scheduled to take place in Redmond over spring break next month. The event was a joint effort […]
Posted inNews
A Community Call for Action on Wildfire Hazard Maps
Local leaders voice opposition to statewide wildfire hazard maps, citing community frustrations
On Feb. 12, Deschutes County Commissioners had a focused discussion on concerns regarding the state’s recently finalized wildfire hazard map and how residents feel impacted by its designations. Commissioner Patti Adair voiced her opposition to the map at the meeting, citing concerns that the maps are decreasing homeowners’ property values and lowering resale values. This […]
Posted inNews
Parks Board Re-Evaluates the Reality of a Southern Pedestrian Bridge
Bend Park and Recreation Board renews its interest in a proposed — and controversial — bike and pedestrian bridge on the south end of Bend
The Bend Park and Recreation Board on Feb. 18 unanimously voted in favor of further exploring the feasibility of a highly supported bike and pedestrian bridge crossing the Deschutes River, near Bend’s southern urban growth boundary. The decision puts a plan in motion to examine the viability of a trail connection that aims to close […]
