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South County Collaborative Story

"The Sunriver Women’s Club has been absolutely instrumental in the formation and development of the South County Collaborative. From initial thought partner to providing technical expertise and financial backing, the SRWC has been a trusted associate as we helped the communities of La Pine and Sunriver focus on the needs of our youth.  Much like the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval, knowing that the SRWC backed the South County Collaborative has helped us grow much quicker and stronger than we would have otherwise".       

- Bruce Abernethy

In 2022, SRWC members asked a group of south Deschutes County leaders: 


“What do you need to improve student success and the graduation rate?”

      • In response Bruce Abernethy, of the Bend La Pine School District, brought together educators, government agencies, nonprofits and individuals who worked with students to answer the question.                                                  
      • The initial meeting and direction was so promising that the group created the South County Collaborative (SCC) to continue the work.

★ Student needs identified

      • mentoring
      • after and out-of-school activities
      • parent engagement
      • enrichment materials
      • youth-led activities
      • Career and Technical Education opportunities
      • mental health services                  


Photo courtesy of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon    

★  Power of 50 for Education


  • In honor of the SRWC 50th anniversary in  2022, the “Power of 50 for Education” fundraising effort focused on supporting school success in south Deschutes County.
  • This purpose closely aligned with the goals of the SCC.  SRWC members raised $55,586 for the organization, exceeding the original goal.
  • An agreement between the SRWC and the SCC gave SCC the responsibility to use the funds for new solutions as they evolved, while ensuring SRWC donors’ intentions were honored.

★  Results at 1 year

    • Friends of the Children Central Oregon hired one full time-mentor to work with 8 students from La-Pine

Friends of the Children summer reading tutoring

    • Big Brothers and Big Sisters recruited new volunteer mentors in La Pine and Sunriver
    • Wages were paid for three La Pine students to participate in “Youth Career Connect” internships
    • Events were held to engage parents
    • A youth-led activity program was developed

Additional SCC Accomplishments

  • Received an Integrated Community Partnership Grant from the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) totaling ($299,000) which provided many student  benefits:
      • Mental health counselor for all the La Pine Schools
      • Helped Big Brother Big Sisters launch BIG Futures academic tutoring program at La Pine Middle School 
      • Supported a new position for Friends of the Children to provide academic support to mentees 
      • Created the Family Engagement Council for south Deschutes County with a facilitator hired from the community
      • Implemented La Pine Night Hawks afterschool tutoring program and worked with the School District to find funding to provide busing for this program
      • Created a flexible funds program for La Pine students to assist with barriers to attendance and school engagement
  • In August of 2024, the SCC became a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization making it a more effective vehicle for raising funds and generating resources for community campaigns.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
  • When the SCC raises an additional $100,000 the ODE will consider renewing the Integrated Community Partnership grant for a second year. The Power of Giving will support their effort to meet this requirement. 

WHO WE ARE

The Sunriver Women's Club (SRWC) is a  501C (3) nonprofit community service organization that welcomes members from Sunriver and the surrounding communities. 

The essence of the SRWC is to be a caring partner to our neighbors, nonprofits in south Deschutes County, local businesses and visitors.


JOIN US

The majority of our members are from Sunriver, La Pine and Bend-everyone is welcome.  Members participate in social and philanthropic activities.  The membership year runs from October 1 through September 30, but you may join in any month. Click on JOIN US to start your membership process.


contact us

Sunriver Women's Club
18160 Cottonwood Road, PMB 865, Sunriver, OR  97707
info@sunriverwomensclub.org

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