Our Work

Our focus regarding youth learning and engagement

Ujima

Our after-school program launched in the Fall of 2011 creating a space for middle school and high school students to learn, discuss, engage, and develop leadership skills both in school, and in the real world. Ujima is open to all students with a dedicated focus on providing sessions conducted through an afro-centric lens. We provide field trips to places like High Desert Museum, Mt Bachelor, and other partners organizations.

In School Advocacy

We are actively working with the Bend-La Pine & Redmond School districts to correct their policies regarding racism (both preventative and disciplinary actions), proper inclusion of historical events in regards to Black history, cultural appropriation, and staff training and awareness of what Black and Brown students experience in the schools.

Higher Education Promotion

We help students understand why they should enroll in college, how to successfully enroll, and how to secure financial aid. We are working with COCC, OSU-Cascades, and other vocational programs on this initiative.

Our focus regarding business development and vocations

Black Business Promotion

Each month at The Meetup (our monthly general meeting), we provide a space for Black professionals, managers, and business owners to be introduced to the community. We also feature these professionals on our resources page.

Financial Literacy

Through our partnership with Bend/Redmond Habitat for Humanity and NeighborImpact, we provide a very successful quarterly credit counseling and homeownership readiness program. We have plans to launch a program geared at middle and high school students, to prepare them for a smoother financial journey into adulthood.

Develop a Food Truck as a POC Business

(FUTURE initiative) This multi-purpose vehicle would be a source of revenue for the organization and valuable job training for young entrepreneurs.

Develop a Black Arts and Entertainment Studio for Adults and Youth

(FUTURE initiative) This hands-on facility would provide a fun and meaningful space to gather and learn about various occupations.

Vocational Training

(FUTURE initiative) Develop video series for youth that addresses both basic and advanced “technical” skills in a number of local occupational fields.

Our focus regarding new high-level initiatives that build and strengthen community

First & Foremost Podcast

Provide a voice for Black community members to hear and discuss living, working, and playing in Central Oregon from a Black perspective. This show provides guest spot opportunities for community members to discuss their experiences.

Welcoming Week

Develop and promote projects and activities including backpack giveaways (school supplies), multicultural block parties, etc.

District Attorney Partnership

Consistent communication with the District Attorney’s office focused on providing advocacy assistance to Black community members while navigating through the judicial system.

Programs That Amplify POC Culture

Develop programs and events that can be used for both networking and fundraising (example: The Meetup, Juneteenth, Ujima, etc) for Black and Brown community members.

Empowered

(Currently in Development) Our 1:1 mentorship program geared towards helping youth and young adults gather a firm foundation as they grow into adulthood; Including access to financial literacy, vocational programs, educational tutoring, advocacy, and much more.

And Then We Grow

As a result of our ability to learn, work and create, we are confident in our ability to grow. With support from the community, we will:

Develop The Father’s Group Membership Program

The forthcoming TFG membership program is currently in development with plans for a soft launch at the Juneteenth 2024 celebration!

Grow Our Organizational Capacity

Increasing paid staff and increasing our volunteer base.

Grow Awareness

Sponsor and hold events that raise community awareness of discrimination and provide proximity to the lived experiences of Black community members.

Grow Student Academic Success

Through Ujima, Empowered, and our other programs, we provide tutors, grade evaluation, goal setting, and support for our students, helping them achieve their educational goals.

The Father's Group | Growing Together

Office

412 SW 8th St Redmond, OR 97756

Tax ID

84-2691067

Business Hours

Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

Mailing Address

P.O. Box 5008
Bend, OR 97708

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The Father's Group