Heart of Oregon Corps

Heart of Oregon Corps We empower young adults through employment, job training, education, and service to our community.

Heart of Oregon Corps (HOC) was founded in 2000 to inspire and empower positive change in the lives of young adults through jobs, education, and stewardship. HOC provides "work- learn- earn"​ opportunities to low-income, disconnected young adults, ages 16-24 years old, living in Central Oregon. The job skills training and education services we provide combat the crushing youth unemployment crisis

in Oregon and our nation. Employment is critical to the personal development of youth and the social fabric of a healthy society. It is a well-known fact that individuals who are employed during high school experience higher wages and more job stability throughout life. Heart of Oregon Corps (HOC) provides pathways out of poverty for opportunity youth and young adults in Central Oregon through programs that integrate employment and education. HOC is the umbrella organization for 6 distinct programs that spread across 4 counties: Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson, and Klamath. Each is unique yet unified in its approach to provide Central Oregon youth with opportunities to work and continue their education. Programs include Central Oregon Youth Conservation Corps (COYCC), YouthBuild, High Desert Conservation Corps (HDCC), Stewardship, Camp LEAD, and The Heart of Oregon Corps Thrift Store. Every program participant earns a wage or stipend, acquires job skills training, gains access to continuing education services, and has the opportunity to earn a scholarship for college.

Today we welcomed our incredible COYCC and Camp LEAD summer staff teams! 🎉Staff and Team Leaders from across our program...
06/12/2026

Today we welcomed our incredible COYCC and Camp LEAD summer staff teams! 🎉

Staff and Team Leaders from across our programs came together for an afternoon of connection, collaboration, and learning as we prepare for an impactful summer season. Together, we participated in Mockingbird Training practices, building the communication, leadership, and conflict-resolution skills that help create safe, supportive, and successful experiences for the youth we serve.

It's especially fitting that this kickoff happened on National Corps Day—a day dedicated to celebrating the power of service and the people who make it possible. We are grateful for this passionate team and can't wait to see the positive impact they'll make in communities across Central Oregon this summer.

Here's to a season of growth, service, and opportunity! 💚

Teamwork in action as HOC crews gear up for another busy day in the field and prepare to work safely as temperatures ris...
06/12/2026

Teamwork in action as HOC crews gear up for another busy day in the field and prepare to work safely as temperatures rise. ☀️

This week alone, our conservation crews in Prineville, Redmond, and Bend have been hard at work reducing wildfire risk and caring for local lands and communities. Projects included string trimming to reduce flammable grasses for Bend Park & Recreation District, fuels reduction near North Davis Campground and aspen caging for habitat protection with the U.S. Forest Service, supporting FireFree at the Negus Transfer Station in Redmond, and advancing urban forestry efforts with the City of Redmond.

We’re proud of the dedication our crews bring to this important work every day.

Another successful HOC YouthBuild Service Day! 👏👏Last Friday, our YouthBuild members ventured out of the classroom/job s...
06/11/2026

Another successful HOC YouthBuild Service Day! 👏👏

Last Friday, our YouthBuild members ventured out of the classroom/job site to serve our community through special projects at other non-profits. Half of the youth went to in Redmond to paint kennels, while the other half went to in Bend to pull weeds and clean up the yard. It may only be a few hours of time and work, but so much gets accomplished! Thank you to Brightside and Ronald McDonald House for being amazing partners. 🐕🤡

Interested in joining YouthBuild and being a part of YouthBuild Global ? We are currently accepting applications for our October cohort. Work, earn, and learn with HOC – apply now at heartoforegon.org💗💗💗

A profound thank-you to Hayden Homes for their extraordinary $100,000 gift to the Legacy 25 Campus Campaign—and for bein...
06/11/2026

A profound thank-you to Hayden Homes for their extraordinary $100,000 gift to the Legacy 25 Campus Campaign—and for being one of HOC's most committed, hands-on partners. 🙏

Hayden Homes has shown up for HOC youth in every way imaginable. They’ve swung hammers shoulder to shoulder with YouthBuild and together raised the walls of new First Story homes. They were recognized with HOC by the Redmond City Council for the Oasis Village project. And Lindy Levinson, Senior Employee Experience Manager at Hayden Homes, now serves on HOC's Board of Directors, bringing her passion for meaningful careers to the heart of our organization.

As Hayden Homes said of their gift: "Heart of Oregon is already changing the lives of youth and young adults through workforce training and education services, but their plans to expand their main campus will provide the Central Oregon community with a much-needed workforce development hub."

We are honored to have Hayden Homes helping us build that hub—and we're grateful for every hour, every word of advice, and every dollar they’ve invested in our youth.

With $388,000 still to raise before our September 30 grand opening, there's still time to build something lasting alongside partners like Hayden Homes. Learn about donor benefits and corporate giving opportunities at hoccampus.org/donor-benefits.

What an incredible evening at our Farm to Fork Dinner & Fundraiser! On Sunday, May 31, supporters gathered at Rainshadow...
06/08/2026

What an incredible evening at our Farm to Fork Dinner & Fundraiser!

On Sunday, May 31, supporters gathered at Rainshadow Organics to celebrate the power of investing in young people and the future of our community. Guests heard inspiring stories from Heart of Oregon participants, connected over a locally sourced meal, and shared what drives their commitment to our mission.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended and contributed to the event’s success. Special appreciation to our sponsors Hayden Homes and Aperion Management Group. Thanks to a generous $10,000 matching grant from the Clabough Foundation, we were able to raise more than $30,000 together in support of Heart of Oregon’s new Youth Workforce Development Campus. These funds will help create a space where young people can access education, job training, mentorship, community, and hands-on work experience as they build pathways to successful futures.

We left the evening feeling energized, hopeful, and incredibly thankful for this community. Together, we are building more opportunities for the next generation and creating a lasting impact for youth across Central Oregon.

Thank you for being part of the Heart of Oregon Corps family. ❤️

📸: Josh Cantu - Juke Motion Pictures

Ready for a peaceful getaway?😌 Support the Legacy 25 Campus Campaign by entering to win a once-in-a-lifetime cruise! 🛥️W...
06/07/2026

Ready for a peaceful getaway?😌 Support the Legacy 25 Campus Campaign by entering to win a once-in-a-lifetime cruise! 🛥️

Wonder raffle tickets are only $100 for this WONDERful prize!✨

Visit www.hoccampu.com to purchase your ticket today!

🌲Tomorrow is National Trails Day! 🌲We encourage you to get outside and celebrate! ☀️Our High Desert Conservation Corp, C...
06/05/2026

🌲Tomorrow is National Trails Day! 🌲

We encourage you to get outside and celebrate! ☀️

Our High Desert Conservation Corp, Central Oregon Youth Conservation Corps, Camp and Go! LEAD programs all participate in maintaining our beautiful Central OR trials. Over the years, we have worked on 100s of miles. 🪻

Thank you to all our partners, youth, and staff who dedicate the time and effort to improving our community's trials. 💕

This morning, our staff leadership team had the privilege of hearing directly from our YouthBuild Youth Policy Leadershi...
06/04/2026

This morning, our staff leadership team had the privilege of hearing directly from our YouthBuild Youth Policy Leadership Council.

Made up of participants elected by their peers, the YPLC meets regularly to ensure youth voice is represented in program decision-making. Council members shared the topics they've been discussing, highlighted recent accomplishments, and spoke about what it means to have a leadership role within the program.

We are continually inspired by the insight, honesty, and commitment these young leaders bring to the table. Their perspectives help shape a stronger, more relevant program and remind us of the importance of creating meaningful opportunities for youth leadership.

Thank you to our YPLC members for sharing your experiences and helping guide the future of our programs!

📣📣📣 Calling all FOOD HEROES!Do you have a passion for community service? Do you want to help reduce food insecurity with...
06/01/2026

📣📣📣 Calling all FOOD HEROES!

Do you have a passion for community service? Do you want to help reduce food insecurity within Jefferson County? Do you have an interest in gardening and growing fresh produce? 🥗🥗 🌿🌿

If you answered YES to the above, we want YOU to join the Heart of Oregon AmeriCorps Food Heroes! We still have a few spots available for our June 15th cohort. Spend your summer planting seeds and growing friendships, all while earning and learning about food safety and warehouse logistics. 🌱👭

STILL not sure if this opportunity is right for you? Becoming an AmeriCorps member has a TON of benefits, including enhancing your resume, building self-confidence, and receiving an education award at the end of your term. So….what are you waiting for? Apply NOW at heartoforegon.org 💗💗💗

Address

1291 NE 5th Street
Bend, OR
97701

Telephone

+15416337834

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