“Holy Ground”: How Faith Grounds Youth at MacLaren
At MacLaren, faith can be simultaneously vibrant and ...
“Expand Your Horizons”: A New Mural’s Lasting Impacts
Eastern Oregon Youth Correctional Facility’s new mural is so much more than a painting on the side of a building. Designed and created by youth at the facility in partnership with visiting artist Matteo Miles, the colorful artwork helped youth build critical life skills and leave a lasting mark. “It’s not just walls anymore,” said ...
Trust, Regulation, Belonging: What Horses Teach Youth in Custody
By MacLaren QMHP Stacey Varner Since 2005, I have worked for the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP). During that time, the youth committed to us have changed significantly, with substantial increases in the frequency and complexity of mental and behavioral health issues. Youth in OYA custody demonstrate developmental and ...
Youth Wins National Poetry Contest
Jarvis, a youth committed to OYA’s Rogue Valley Youth Correctional Facility in Grants Pass, has won BreakFree Education’s Words Unlocked Poetry contest. Read or listen to his poem, “Exploring My Life.” Growing up in poverty,My imagination would run wild.Hit by reality,Made it hard to smile. Trials and tribulations,Nothing seemed to help.Experiences of frustration,Cause no-one knew ...
“Breaking Through”: How One Facility Helps Youth from Rival Gangs Mediate Conflict
At Eastern Oregon Youth Correctional Facility, staff have found ways to help youth from rival gangs live together in relative peace. The approach doesn’t erase gang identity or promise long-term change. Instead, it creates a space for short-term stability – and the possibility that short-term success will grow into more. Mediation at Eastern is voluntary, ...
OYA Celebrates AANHPI Month
May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. The theme for 2025 is “A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience,” honoring the hard work of AANHPI leaders who established a foundation for future generations to thrive and adapt to change and adversity. This month is a time to advocate for, celebrate with, and ...