J Bar J Youth Services is proud to share that Associate Director of Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) Programs and Services, Trenny Mongar, recently represented Central Oregon at the National Summit on Youth Homelessness and participated in a Congressional “Hill Day” in Washington, D.C.
During her visit, Mongar met with staff from U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley to advocate for increased federal support for youth experiencing homelessness and to highlight the growing challenges faced by providers across Oregon.
“Central Oregon is facing a critical moment,” said Mongar. “We are the only shelter program serving youth under 18 in our region, and one of the only programs with a Youth Advisory Board informing our work. At the same time, funding cuts at the federal, state, and regional levels are making it increasingly difficult to sustain even our most essential services.”
J Bar J Youth Services operates a continuum of care for vulnerable youth and families, including emergency shelter, transitional housing, and support services. As other youth-serving organizations across the state reduce services or close entirely, the demand for support in Central Oregon continues to rise. The organization has seen a significant increase in calls from parents seeking help, particularly related to behavioral health and substance use concerns.
Mongar emphasized that since the COVID-19 pandemic, youth needs have become more complex. Providers are seeing increased rates of mental health challenges and substance use, including THC and vaping. She highlighted the importance of embedding behavioral health and substance use professionals directly within shelter environments.
“Trust takes time,” Mongar explained. “Our staff are available 24/7 and trained in trauma-informed care, but many youth are not ready to engage with outside providers in unfamiliar settings. When services are integrated into spaces where youth already feel safe, we can better support their healing, stability, and long-term success.”
Additionally, Mongar raised concerns about limited funding for pregnant and parenting youth served through programs like Grandma’s House, J Bar J’s Maternity Group Home (MGH). These young people face compounded challenges, and without adequate support, both parent and child are at greater risk of instability.
“Our young parents are navigating overwhelming circumstances,” said Mongar. “They need a safe place to stabilize, learn, and grow into confident caregivers. With the right supports in place, we can change not just one life, but two or more for generations to come.”
“We are actively pursuing new opportunities and partnerships to ensure that youth and families in Central Oregon continue to have access to high-quality care, resources, and support,” Mongar said. “Our goal is not just to maintain services, but to improve and expand them, even in the face of uncertainty.”
For more information about J Bar J Youth Services and their RHY or to learn how to support local youth, please visit jbarj.org or cascadeyouthandfamilycenter.
Since 1968, J Bar J Youth Services has grown to become the largest youth-serving social services organization in Central Oregon, offering a continuum of care across seven programs.
