Changing Patterns

22/08/2026

🥾🦙 Adventure, connection, learning, and opportunity—that’s what summer with Changing Patterns looks like!

Our Peer Support Re-entry Program has been making the most of Central Oregon summer with prosocial activities that build healthy routines, strengthen relationships, and remind us that successful re-entry is about more than checking boxes—it’s about finding connection, confidence, and belonging in the community.

🥾 We headed out to Smith Rock for hiking, fitness, fresh air, and some incredible Central Oregon views. Getting outside together is always a great way to challenge ourselves, encourage one another, and have some fun along the way.

🦙 Next stop: Crescent Moon Ranch Alpaca Farm, where we got the chance to hang out—and maybe frolic a little—with the alpacas! After all that hiking and alpaca excitement, we wrapped things up with some well-earned food at Pappy’s Pizza. 🍕

📚 We also welcomed COIC for an educational workshop highlighting the STEP Program and the employment resources available to help people move forward in their careers. Participants learned about opportunities including:

• Certificates and job-training programs
• Interview preparation and practice
• Resume development and improvement
• Funding assistance for work clothes
• Help purchasing tools and other employment necessities

These practical resources can make a huge difference when someone is working toward employment, financial stability, and long-term independence.

Meanwhile, our fearless leader Frank continues taking Changing Patterns behind the walls. He recently brought his experience, encouragement, and entrepreneurial skills to adults in custody at Snake River Correctional Institution, helping plant the seeds for what is possible after release.

From hiking trails and alpacas to employment training and entrepreneurship, every experience is another opportunity to build skills, create healthy connections, and show that there is a path forward after incarceration.

One adventure, one connection, and one opportunity at a time. 💪🌱

This all could not have been done without the support you the community and grant funding through
Oregon Health Authority Oregon Community Foundation St. Charles Health System

19/08/2026

What has been going on this year in Changing Patterns? Here are some Year-to-Date updates. I included a link in the comments to our latest newsletter.

Thank you everyone for being part of turning this idea into real impact!

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10/08/2026

☀️ Wow—summer is zooming by!

The Changing Patterns Peer Support Re-entry Program has been moving full speed through Central Oregon’s hot—and sometimes smoky—summer days.

⚾ Our prosocial group activities took us back to Vince Genna Stadium to cheer on one of our favorite local teams, the Bend Elks. Great company, great baseball, and a win for the home team—what more could we ask for?

💵 We also hosted an informative and engaging financial literacy workshop, giving participants practical tools to build greater confidence and financial security. Topics included:

💸 Cash Flow & Spending — Knowing where every dollar goes
🏦 Banking Basics — Understanding big banks and credit unions
💰 Emergency Funds & Savings — Building a cushion and putting savings on autopilot
💳 Building Credit — Learning how credit scores work and developing smart habits
✅ One Small Change — Leaving with one concrete action to take toward a stronger financial future

A huge shout-out to Mark Paladijczuk for sharing his time, knowledge, and encouragement with the group!

We had another amazing day preparing and serving at the Family Kitchen! Join us the 2nd Saturday of the month to give back to the community!

Meanwhile, our fearless leader has been busy attending career fairs with Opportunity Oregon, Provoking Hope, and other statewide community partners. These events help us connect with adults in custody and remind them of an important message: support is here, and there is a path toward successful re-entry when they return to the community.

We’re proud of the connections being made, the lessons being learned, and the momentum that continues to grow. Here’s to community, opportunity, and second chances! 🌟

Shout-out to St. Charles Health System for supporting our prosocial group activities. Thank you to Oregon Health Authority for the continued support with providing meals at our Weekly Support Groups and Prosocial Group Activities, travel and board to the Career Fairs, and salary support.

Big ups to Opportunity Oregon Nancy Pance Provoking Hope Richie Inman for knocking down barriers and their continued support for those returning to the community.

28/07/2026

☀️ Summer in Central Oregon is all about getting outside, building healthy habits, and creating meaningful connections—and that's exactly what we've been doing at Changing Patterns!

Our recent prosocial group activities have been packed with adventure, service, learning, and community. We kicked things off by volunteering at Family Kitchen before enjoying a well-earned picnic at Pioneer Park. We found balance and mindfulness during a relaxing yoga session at Namaspa—thank you, Connor, for sharing your practice with us! We also explored the newly renovated Peterson Rock Garden (absolutely AMAZING!) before wrapping up the day with great conversation and even better pizza at Pinky G's.

Nothing says summer quite like America's favorite pastime! ⚾ Our group had a fantastic time cheering on the Bend Elks, sharing laughs in the stands, enjoying ballpark snacks, and experiencing the excitement of a hometown game together. It's these simple moments of connection that help build lasting friendships and positive memories.

Participants also enjoyed a hands-on nutrition and cooking workshop with Sunny Hisel and No Belly Growls Coaching at Natural Grocers, where they learned practical skills for preparing healthy, affordable meals while gaining confidence in the kitchen.

We also had two individuals complete the Peer Support Specialist training in Madras through our valued partners at Central Oregon Community College, continuing to build the knowledge, skills, and lived experience that strengthen our peer support community.

These experiences are about so much more than having fun. They provide opportunities for participants in our Peer Support Re-entry Program to discover healthy hobbies, develop new life skills, strengthen positive relationships, and build a supportive community that reduces loneliness and social isolation while fostering a true sense of belonging.

We're also celebrating a huge milestone—🎉 Congratulations, Angel! 🎉 Through hard work, determination, and a commitment to living a healthy, prosocial lifestyle, Angel is now officially on the road with a driver's license and has also become a Certified Peer Support Specialist through our incredible community partners at Central Oregon Community College. We couldn't be more proud!

A heartfelt thank you to the St. Charles Celebrate, Together Grant for making these life-changing experiences possible. Your support allows us to create opportunities that inspire connection, personal growth, and hope for individuals rebuilding their lives after incarceration.

Together, we're proving that recovery, connection, and belonging don't just happen—they're built one experience, one relationship, one new skill, and one step forward at a time. 💙🌲

03/07/2026

Today, we made history.

Reentry partners across our state came together to launch the very first “Make Your Time Count” initiative at INTAKE.

With the belief that reentry begins at entry, we provided hope, direction, and practical guidance to 80 individuals at the very beginning of their incarceration journey. The choices made at the beginning of a sentence can shape what happens at the end. By encouraging people to engage in programming, education, work training, and positive supports from day one, we’re helping them build a stronger path home.

Today wasn’t just the start of a new class—it was the beginning of a new approach to reentry in Oregon. No matter how long your sentence is, your future starts today—and you don’t have to walk it alone. Reentry begins at entry. Changing Patterns ❤️Provoking Hope ❤️Golden Rule ReEntry ❤️

18/06/2026

We are so grateful to have the support of the Deschutes Public Library for Changing Patterns. Thanks to Michael Rivera for creating this video.

And forever thankful to Jenny Pederson for bringing us into the fold and giving us an opportunity to create the Re-entry Weeklies.

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13/06/2026

Happy to be part of this incredible re-entry movement with Opportunity Oregon

The 275 or so inmates at Powder River Correctional Facility in Baker City will have a chance to learn about potential careers.

09/06/2026

Finding healthy activities is part of re-entry. Thank you for teaching us the benefits of artistic expression.

25/05/2026

We are proud to share what Central Oregon Community College has accomplished with the hard work and dedication of these nine student in Deer Ridge Correctional Institution.

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Central Oregon Community College's education program at Deer Ridge Correctional Institution is set to confer its first-ever associate degree awards. Nine students will receive their college degrees at the annual graduation ceremony on Tuesday, June 9th, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. T...