Events and News

Events

Oregon High Desert Classics Hunter Jumper Show
The prestigious Oregon High Desert Classics (OHDC) is the only event of its kind in Central Oregon. Approved by the US Hunter Jumper Association, this show attracts world class riders from all over the US and Canada. One of a small handful to receive Heritage Horse Show designation, it is also the only show of its caliber which is primarily a fundraiser for a human services non-profit.

Returning for one week only – July 8 – 12, 2026!

Listen to the KPOV interview to learn more about High Desert Classic


Annual Reports


We are in the process of converting our newsletters into individual posts which will be categorized by program and searchable! See what we’ve added:

Newsletters

Newsletter Summer 2019
Newsletter Spring 2019
Newsletter Winter 2019
Newsletter Summer 2018

In the News

CO Daily: Grant helps J Bar J Youth Services build new administration building
The organization has received $225,000 in grant money to build a new administration building. The building will support its 15 programs, house administration and expand its services across the community.

“So this really gives us a place to collaborate, to bring minds together and to focus on our mission. How can we be better? What are the needs of the community and how can we address those?” J Bar J chief operating officer Keith Riggs said.

News Channel 21: One mentor, two hours a week: How Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon is changing young lives
For children facing adversity, having a trusted adult to lean on can make all the difference. That’s the mission behind Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon, a program of J Bar J Youth Services, that connects local youth with caring adult volunteers through one-on-one mentoring relationships.

CO Daily: Bingo event in Bend raises funds for trafficking survivors
More than 100 people packed Silver Moon Brewing on Sunday morning for a sold-out round of Not’Cho Grandma’s Bingo, raising money for survivors of human trafficking in Central Oregon. Hosted by The YOUNI Movement, the event featured music, prizes and a lively crowd, with proceeds benefiting the Anti-Trafficking Project, a program of J Bar J Youth Services. Based in Bend since 2018, the Anti-Trafficking Project serves Deschutes, Jefferson and Crook counties, offering crisis support, housing assistance and case management for survivors.

CO Daily: ‘We’ve made it’: How a $1,000 a month state program helped a Bend mom rebuild her life
Homelessness is looming issue in Central Oregon and there are many options to help get people into permanent housing. A recent program from the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) has had major success in Central Oregon.  In one instance, it helped change the life of a local mother. “I wanted to give up. I couldn’t see myself moving forward or getting to the next day,” Gabrielle Huffman said.  From 15 years old until she was 21, Huffman was homeless. As a single mother, the stress was seemingly never ending. 

My Central Oregon .com: J Bar J Youth Services Help Conduct Annual Homeless Count
J Bar J Youth Services, Central Oregon’s largest provider of youth services, is partnering with the Homeless Leadership Coalition (HLC) and nonprofit agencies across the region to conduct the 2026 Point in Time (PIT) Count, a critical effort to measure homelessness and guide future resources for individuals, youth, and families experiencing housing instability

CO Daily: J Bar J asks for donations to help homeless youths going into the winter
BEND, Ore. – Cascade Youth and Family Center, a service through J Bar J Youth Services, says it needs donations to help support youth experiencing homelessness, especially with winter temperatures quickly approaching and the looming end to SNAP benefits. Youth advocates from J Bar J say a lot of the youth they serve are on the streets and colder weather makes it harder for them to stay safe and warm. J Bar J has experienced budget cuts recently. It also experiences the most need during the winter.

Bend Magazine: J Bar J Youth Services Offers Programs for Those at Risk When They Need Help the Most
When Stephanie Alvstad thinks about J Bar J Youth Services, the organization she leads as president and CEO, she sees it through the lens of community connection. “Everything we do comes down to relationships. And when those connections are strong, lives change,” said Alvstad. The mission of J Bar J Youth Services is to support young people facing significant challenges.