On December 13, we renamed the educational space at Oak Creek Correctional Facility and the Jackie Winters Transition Program for young women to honor Pam Patton, a woman whose dedication to gender equity has changed countless lives. The Patton Learning Center will stand as a tribute to her tireless efforts to ensure that young women and gender-expansive youth in Oregon’s juvenile justice system have access to the resources, programs, and support they need to develop to their full potential and thrive.
Pam’s work began over 30 years ago when she transitioned from family therapist to advocate. As Director of Government Relations for Morrison Child and Family Services, with a small group of non-profits who provided services to girls they noticed systemic gaps in services for girls and young women in juvenile justice.
“Counties didn’t see girls as a public safety risk,” she explained. “They were seen as runaways or pregnant—so counties didn’t prioritize their needs or services. We knew that had to change.” This realization led Pam and other advocates to push for the Equal Access Law in 1993, a groundbreaking piece of legislation requiring all state agencies serving youth under 18 to provide gender-specific services, treatment and facilities.
The Equal Access Law became the foundation for establishing the Coalition of Advocates for Equal Access for Girls (Coalition). Pam became leader of the Coalition to ensure the law’s implementation across Oregon. Pam in partnership and collaboration worked closely with State agencies, including OYA, to develop gender-responsive services that addressed the unique needs of girls and young women. This work led to significant milestones at OYA, such as the creation of the first transition program for young women in 1999, the Corvallis House Transition Program and the establishment of the Oak Creek Youth Correctional Facility in 2008, Oregon’s first facility designed specifically for young women. When the Corvallis House had to close the funding for a new Transition Program on Oak Creek Campus and for the funding for additional staff needed for the new facility to open took advocacy in partnership with OYA from 2009 to 2015.
Pam’s efforts didn’t stop at legislation and programs. She recognized the need to equip service providers with the tools and knowledge to support girls and young women effectively. “We didn’t just want programs—we wanted the people working in them to have the knowledge and tools to effectively meet the needs of girls,” she shared. This commitment drove the development of handbooks, guidelines, standards and assessment tools, and trauma-informed practices that became models for gender-responsive programs and services for girls and young women.
The renaming of the Learning Center recognizes Pam’s incredible legacy. It’s a fitting tribute to a woman whose persistence, compassion, and advocacy have paved the way for a more equitable future. The Patton Learning Center will serve as a lasting reminder of her vision and dedication, inspiring future generations to continue her work.
