“A challenge to do better for our youth”: OYA’s new IMPACT system strengthens accountability
In November and December, a few divisions began ...
Mentorship in Practice: Finding The Next Step Together
January is National Mentoring Month, and OYA celebrates the many mentors who support youth on their journey to become productive, crime-free adults. Much of this work unfolds in small moments, such as a November coffee between a youth and his mentor, Andre White. Mr. White arranged the coffee after the youth shared that he needed to start earning money. Mr. White then reached out to an organization that could help the ...
Holiday support for OYA Youth
There are two ways to support youth this holiday season. Through the Amazon wish lists linked below, or book donations to our youth at MacLaren Lord High School. Facility Wish Lists Each list is stocked with items the youth at that facility have requested to support their living units. Please note: we can only accept ...
“People in the community that care”: Supporting Youth With Thanksgiving Boxes
For many justice-involved youth, the holidays can be complicated. Some come from families facing food insecurity or unstable housing. Others live in homes where resources are stretched thin, or where family relationships make large holiday meals difficult to navigate. For OYA’s parole and probation officers, supporting youth means paying attention to these realities – not ...
Native American Heritage Month at OYA
Each November is a time to celebrate the culture, traditions, and histories as well as the important contributions of the Native people. The monthlong celebration has been recognized on a national level since 1990, when a joint resolution was approved designating November of that year as the first Native American Heritage Month. Youth at Oregon ...
“Those Are My Kids”: Presenters Share Why They Joined One of OYA’s Career Fair
Returning to MacLaren for October’s career fair gave Enrique an opportunity to reflect on how his life had changed since he was a kid. Years ago, he was a youth there – making some of the same kinds of choices, facing the same kinds of consequences as the youth residing there today. He came back ...