Opportunities From: Connect Central Oregon

Central Oregon Partnerships for Youth (COPY), a program of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, is looking for volunteers to mentor children with an incarcerated parent.

After initial training and background checks, volunteers are matched with a child who shares similar interests and activities and commits to spending a few hours a week together for a minimum of one year. This time is often spent going to community events, working on homework, attending art programs, participating in sports, or simply hanging out and talking.

On Saturday, September 27, COPY will offer an orientation/training class. This 3.5 hour class covers program policies, how to establish a mentor relationship, the impact incarceration has on families, and communication skills. There is no cost to attend, but advanced registration is required

For additional information please call (541) 388-6651 or email. Additional program information is available online at www.deschutes.org/copy or www.facebook.com/Deschutes.COPY 

The Central Oregon Partnerships for Youth (COPY) program provides one-to-one community-based mentoring for kids that have an incarcerated parent. Volunteers receive initial classroom training, background checks, and individualized coaching to work with the youth they are matched up with. These youth are not involved in the criminal justice system—they are youth that have been impacted by the choices of their adult caregiver.

Volunteers commit to spending a couple of hours each week with their youth. Often they are engaged in community outings, art projects, or youth enrichment with business and civic partners. This could be exploring the High Desert Museum, participating in park and rec programs, jumping at trampoline parks, climbing in rock gyms, riding bikes, swimming, and much more.

COPY youth are between 5 and 15 years old and live in Deschutes County. Volunteers work with their youth for 1 year- building a relationship and connection. Often, mentors continue past that initial year. They can connect after school, after work, or during weekends. There is a high degree of flexibly in scheduling that time.

Additional information can be found at www.sheriff.deschutes.org/copy or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/deschutes.COPY COPY offers 3 Mentor Training per year for new volunteers.