Our mission is simple. Heart of Oregon Corps empowers youth and young adults through employment, job training, education, and service to Central Oregon communities.
Vision Heart of Oregon is a leader in empowering youth and young adults to transform their lives and their communities.
Through this work, we will create opportunities for all youth to thrive in Central Oregon.
About Us
Heart of Oregon Corps programs engage 225 youth annually in meaningful, growth-filled workforce development and educational opportunities that help address the negative impacts of poverty. We primarily serve low-to-moderate income Opportunity Youth ages 16-24 who are disconnected from school and work but are ready to thrive when given adequate support. With the goal of career readiness, HOC programs provide training in conservation, construction, and childcare. Since its inception 25 years ago, HOC has grown into a nonprofit leader with programs and projects in Deschutes, Crook, Jefferson, and northern Klamath counties, including the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.
HOC’s dynamic programs follow our WORK, EARN, LEARN model - an effective solution to re-engaging Opportunity Youth.
- Youth WORK on hands-on projects that benefit the Central Oregon community, such as public lands conservation, wildfire fuels reduction, building affordable housing, providing childcare for local families, and recycling. All projects offer job skills training, structured and supportive supervision, and positive adult role models.
- Our young people are employed, often for the first time, as they EARN wages, stipends, and scholarships that increase economic self-sufficiency and financial literacy. Because youth live where they work, most of their wages are poured directly back into the local economy.
- Youth LEARN 21st-century workforce soft skills and leadership skills, gain vocational certifications, and have the opportunity to earn high school credits and diplomas, GEDs, or college credits. Youth explore career paths, apprenticeships, and local post-secondary options.
History
We have been a vital part of the Central Oregon community for over 20 years. We have continued to grow with the help of our funders, donors, and community volunteers who make our mission possible.
HOC was founded by three change-makers who sought to serve a growing number of youth experiencing significant barriers to success. Founders Dennis, Dave, and Dan believed that young adults from challenging backgrounds deserved a chance to earn their way to success. Dave, who experienced poverty and limited opportunities as an adjudicated youth, worked with Deschutes County Juvenile Justice and saw countless youth offenders struggle with their circumstances. For a variety of reasons, youth often lacked viable options toward economic success and the support and encouragement to pursue their dreams. Upon release from juvenile detention, many rejoined a world where they had no guidance or direction, almost destined to fall back into the same habits and perpetuate the cycle. Our founders set out to create an organization to serve them, knowing that youth could be a force for good in their community instead of a destructive one. Through a restorative justice approach, they established a community service-based program that evolved to include job skills training and continuing education.
Over two decades later, HOC operates multiple programs for young people, empowering them to change their path and transform their ideas about their purpose. Through the years, HOC's purpose remains the same: to bring youth development, education, and workforce training services to young people while empowering them to be agents of positive change through service to local communities. The founders worked with youth to create a culture of respect at HOC. Dennis, Dave, and Dan emphasized core values, including integrity, responsibility, community, and learning. These values live on today.
