Circle of Friends receives grant

Circle of Friends is the recipient of $10,000 grant from Gary and Eileen Wehrie, Fred W. Fields and the Ward Family Fund of The Oregon Community Foundation (OCF).

Circle of Friends is a revolutionary mentoring program: Mentors are individuals and families that are provided training, support, and resources to mentor children. Their relationship with the children is their sole focus, so they are able to give children the consistent support they need to overcome their challenges. Each mentor is able to spend at least two to four hours of one-on-one time with a child on a weekly basis.

The long-term vision of Circle of Friends is that every child in Sisters who needs a friend, has a Friend. Friends provide consistency and long-term relationships for the children they mentor. Circle of Friends works collaboratively with the Sisters School District, other service providers, and the community to create a plan and support those children most at risk. The result of the work is that children are provided experiences and opportunities that will contribute to their current and future success.

The mission of the Oregon Community Foundation is to improve life in Oregon and promote effective philanthropy. OCF works with individuals, families, businesses and organizations to create charitable funds to support the community causes they care about. Through these funds OCF awards nearly $70 million annually in grants and scholarships.

The Oregon Community Foundation makes grants through an application process that involves local citizens in the review and evaluation of requests for funds. Application materials are available through the foundation's Portland office. Individuals or businesses interested in establishing a fund may contact the Bend office at 15 S.W. Colorado Ave., Suite 375, Bend, OR, 97702, 541-382-1170 or visit www.oregoncf.org.