KIDS Center, Central Oregon’s only child abuse intervention center, is celebrating 20years of providing vital services to children and families who have experienced abuse.
KIDS Center provides medical evaluations, forensic interviews, family support and therapy for children who have or may be experiencing abuse in the tri-county area as well as region-wide prevention and education programs to help adults learn how to keep kids safe from abuse.
The concept for KIDS Center began in 1990 when a core group of individuals including the district attorney’s office, members of the Bend Rotary Club and other concerned citizens came together to develop early concepts and planning to bring a child advocacy center to Central Oregon. The 1,500 square foot building was built with $50,000 cash and far more in volunteer labor and supplies from community professionals.
KIDS Center officially opened in 1994 providing medical evaluations, child-friendly forensic interviews and therapy to 159 children in the first year. Since then, KIDS Center has served more than 10,000 children from Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson Counties and Warm Springs.
KIDS Center is hosting a 20th Anniversary Open House Tuesday, September 30, 4–7pm on the Rosie Bareis campus at 1375 NW Kingston Ave, Bend 97701.
KIDS Center was built by the community for the community and for this reason they are inviting the public to stop by for a casual tour and join in the celebration.
