Bend, OR – Friends of the Children Central Oregon (Friends-CO) is pleased to announce a charitable
contribution in the amount of $10,000 from partners Fortis Construction and Facebook to support the capital
campaign for The Ranch – a Sanctuary for Friends. This donation follows the long-term commitment by both
companies to support organizations benefiting children and families in Central Oregon.
“Much like mentors developing relationships with children, one of our core values at Fortis Construction is
developing relationships with people we respect, trust, and care about,” said Ann Fisher, Office Manager for
Fortis Construction in Prineville. “We also believe in being intentional and teaching someone something new
every day. This is exactly what Friends of the Children Central Oregon does; they create intentional, lasting
relationships with youth and help them build assets and resiliency through the mentoring experience. It is
such a great fit, and we are excited to support this capital campaign.”
The Ranch is a centrally located property, easily accessible from Highways 20 and 97 and, therefore, easily
accessible from rural areas in Central Oregon. There is room for offices, a commercial kitchen, space to create
a STEM Lab, and multipurpose areas for playing games, reading, and doing homework. There is also outdoor
space for gardening, raising animals, and exploring nature. The $10,000 donation will be instrumental in helping
the Friends of the Children purchase the 19-acre property and provide quality STEM education to local children.
“Fortis Construction and Facebook have been wonderful partners to the nonprofit community in Central
Oregon,” says Kim Hatfield, Executive Director of Friends of the Children Central Oregon. “This contribution
highlights their commitment to serve the communities in which they operate and improve STEM education
for all children. We couldn’t be more thankful for their support.”
To date, Friends-CO has secured $390,000 in donations and pledges towards the capital campaign. Future
fundraising approaches include applying for foundation and community grants, securing major gifts,
developing strategic corporate partnerships, hosting fundraising events, and conducting online auctions.
For more information on the facility, the campaign, or the Friends of the Children Central Oregon program,
please contact Sandy Visnack at svisnack@friendscentraloregon.org.
About Friends of the Children Central Oregon: Friends of the Children Central Oregon provides children facing
some of the greatest obstacles with a salaried, professional mentor, called a Friend, to help navigate their
journey through childhood. Together, from kindergarten through high school graduation, children and Friends
build extraordinary relationships. Nationally, the Friends model has demonstrated remarkable outcomes;
ninety-three percent of youth in the program have avoided involvement in the juvenile justice system; eighty-
three percent graduate from high school; and ninety-eight percent avoid teen parenting. Our motto is 12+
years, no matter what.
For additional information visit: https://friendscentraloregon.org/
