Community Comes Together to Support Child Abuse Recovery in Central Oregon

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, residents of Central Oregon gathered at the Riverhouse in Bend for the annual "Healing Hearts" fundraiser. This event, aimed at raising funds and awareness for the KIDS Center, serves a crucial role as the only child abuse evaluation and treatment center in the region.

Empowering Families Through Generosity

The KIDS Center is dedicated to providing essential services to families affected by abuse, including forensic interviews, child-friendly medical exams, and ongoing therapeutic support. Remarkably, these services are offered at no cost to the families, thanks to community donations and the generous contributions from the Healing Hearts Society.

The Healing Hearts Society comprises over 200 committed community members who contribute an annual gift of $1,000 or more to sustain the center's operations. This remarkable support ensures that life-changing services remain readily available for every family served by the organization, reflecting a deep-rooted commitment to healing and prevention of child abuse in the region.

Community Recognition and Involvement

During the event, KTVZ Chief Meteorologist John Carroll participated in the presentation, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in addressing child abuse. The television station played a pivotal role as a sponsor for the fundraiser, highlighting the media's role in community support.

Members of the Healing Hearts Society enjoy various forms of recognition throughout the year, including subscriptions to the "Giving Hope" newsletter and acknowledgments in the KIDS Center's annual report. Furthermore, the organization hosts an annual donor appreciation event to celebrate these contributors, fostering a sense of community and gratitude.

The "Healing Hearts" event is held each April, serving not only as a fundraiser but also as a collective rallying point for the community to stand against child abuse. For those interested in supporting this worthy cause, additional information about the Healing Hearts Society and donation opportunities can be found on the KIDS Center website.