MountainStar Family Relief Nursery (MountainStar) is proud to kick off its annual Keep Kids Safe Campaign this April in honor of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. This initiative raises awareness of child abuse and neglect in Central Oregon and mobilizes community members to take action in support of vulnerable children and families.

Every year, hundreds of young children in our region experience abuse and neglect, with nearly half of reported cases involving children six years and younger. The children MountainStar serves are provided trauma-informed therapeutic early childhood services that keep 98% of enrolled children safe from harm. The Keep Kids Safe Campaign is MountainStar’s largest outreach effort, inviting the community to stand together in preventing child abuse before it happens.

“This campaign is a call to action,” says Kara Tachikawa, Executive Director of MountainStar. “We need everyone—businesses, community leaders, and individuals—to rally around Central Oregon’s children. Prevention is possible when we work together.”

Upcoming Events & How to Get Involved

This year’s campaign features a series of community-driven events and opportunities to show support:

• • Keep Kids Safe Fund – Join our efforts – make a life-changing gift today at mtstar.org/donate.
  • Community Table Fundraisers – Hosted in Madras April 22nd, these gatherings bring local businesses and supporters together to make a direct impact. These events are free to attend. Register at mtstar.org/april.
  • Communities for Kids Events – Hosted in multiple locations across Central Oregon, these events bring together families and local organizations to provide resources and support to strengthen our community’s families…
    • Jefferson County – April 17th, Madras Aquatic Center, 3:00-5:00
    • Crook County – Ochoco Gymnasium, 3:00-5:00

A Call for Community Support

To make a lasting impact, MountainStar is inviting individuals and businesses to join our efforts to keep kids safe. Your direct support ensures long term stability for vulnerable families. Make a donation at mtstar.org/donate.

“We see firsthand the difference early intervention makes in the lives of young children,” Tachikawa says. “With the community’s support, we can continue walking alongside families, offering them the tools and resources they need to build a brighter future.”