[Last updated October 21, 2026 at 10:08 am. Photo credit: African Feminism]
In the wake of the tragedy at Silver Rail Elementary, our Central Oregon community is trying to find its way to wrap around the families of those who have been most impacted. These coming days and weeks will be just the beginning in tending to our collective grief and trauma.
Many are turning inward and holding their loved ones close. Others are moving toward collective care. It feels nearly impossible to keep up with the outpouring of community support, so the only updates I will be continuing to provide are for mutual aid support for the families directly impacted and mental health resources for the community.
If any of the families are looking for an attorney, please reach out, as I have connections to trusted local legal connections who have resources and are connected to the attorneys that supported families in the wake of the Sandy Hook shooting [email: leeann@allyshipinaction.com].
MUTUAL AID
These are GoFundMe and Meal Trains to support families who lost loved ones that are known so far. I welcome folks to share additional mutual aid opportunities as they come out. I am only using folks’ names if I see that folks have either put it out publicly themselves, or their families have given permission.
Rhoan Summer’s Family
Victim’s Family
Injured Child’s Family
Injured Teacher Ms. Becky
Kaylub Giamanco
Community Mutual Aid
- People looking to donate food, beverages, counseling support, and more to the community members affected by Thursday’s tragedy can reach out directly to Deschutes County Health Services at healthservices@deschutescounty.org.
- Verified GoFundMes, which include community fundraisers.
- Bend Stands Together is doing a better job than I am keeping track of other community fundraisers and opportunities to support.
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
Deschutes County Health Services – Deschutes County Health Services, St. Charles Health System, and Bend-La Pine Schools are partnering to host free, walk-in community support events. Free and open to all students, families, staff, and community members. Interpreter services will be available.
Thursday, Oct. 22, through Sunday, Oct. 25, Deschutes County Behavioral Health staff will offer free individual support services at the Deschutes County Stabilization Center, which is located at 63311 NE Jamison St. in Bend. Community members can access the following support from 11a.m. to 5 p.m. each day: (a) Personalized, One-on-one support: A safe space to process the emotional impact of the incident with trained professionals. (2) Resource navigation: Direct connections to community-based resources. (3) Ongoing access to care: Help connecting with voluntary, long-term therapy and counseling, if needed.
Worthy Brewing – Hosting Frank Frank Zenere, Ed.S. on Friday October 23 from 4:30 – 6:30 pm in the Hop Mahal. Frank spent 31 years on Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ crisis team and has helped communities recover following the tragedies at Sandy Hook, Parkland, Uvalde, and Pulse nightclub. He’ll discuss coping for youth and adults, spotting behavioral struggles early, moving forward, pathways to recovery, and prevention.
National Alliance on Mental Illness Central Oregon – List of healing circles, mental health resources, and other resources to support families.
COPA (Central Oregon Pediatric Associates) – COPA’s pediatricians and behavioral health clinicians are here for the whole family: 541-389-6313. In a crisis, call or text 988. Their social media has been updated multiple times a day with helpful guides on how to talk to your kids about what happened and how to navigate these coming days.
COCC – COCC students have access to free confidential personal counseling by calling 541-366-6482 or emailing shay@collaborativehealingbend.com.
Partners in Care – Grief support resources
Deschutes County Stabilization Center – Immediate family and crisis resources, 24 hours a day, walk-in, Local Crisis Line: Call 541-322-7500 ext. 9., National Hotline: Call or text 988 any time.
Bend Resilience Project – Local group of mental health professionals coming together to support our community in the wake of the tragic events at Silver Rail Elementary School.
RESOURCES
Take some time to learn from the folks who are trained for this moment.
COPA Guide
COPA Video – Watch news segment on how to talk with your kids after yesterday’s tragedy from COPA with Dr. Logan Clausen and Dr. Ashley Niemeyer. Has tips for parents on how to talk with kids about what happened at Silver Rail Elementary, what reactions to expect, and when to reach out for help. Find some time to watch and find a quiet moment to check in with your child. Skip to 30:35 (the segment runs to 35:22)
Deschutes Public Library – Gun Violence & School Shootings Resources – Deschutes Public Library has compiled resources related to gun violence and school shootings, including materials to help families navigate difficult conversations, understand emotional responses, and find age-appropriate reading materials.
Sandy Hook Promise – Resources for victims and survivors of school gun violence
COMMUNITY CARE
The following community partners are providing offerings of comfort and community care and connection:
COMMUNITY CARE – COMMUNITY GRIEVING
50501 Central Oregon – Silent candlelight vigil on Peace Corner on Friday, October 16, 7 pm – 8 pm to support collective grieving
Vamonos Outside – Community bike ride and community circle on Saturday, October 17 at Shevlin Park. Arrive at 10 am and ride at 11 am with food provided.
Open Arts Center – Grief open mike on Tuesday October 20 from 6 pm – 8 pm
COMMUNITY CARE – LODGING AND OVERNIGHT
Cambria Hotel Bend- Mt Bachelor – free lodging for visiting family members and friends of those affected
Elite Teepees Bend – offering teepees to community for a cozy and safe place to sleep our hang out with family and friends
COMMUNITY CARE – HEALING
Please confirm community support options are still available. Most establishments have been very good about providing updates on their social media and many have extended their offers.
Healing Reins – Free visits and support for first responders and their families, students, parents, teachers, and school staff. Spend time with our horses, talk with someone, or explore available mental health services. October 19–22 | Monday–Thursday | 10 AM–5 PM. Email: operations@healingreins.org. Text: 541-604-2356
Paw 2 Paw – Offering their therapy dog team immediately for any families, children or community who would like the support. Call/text: 541-588-0937
Aqua Terra Health – Free community acupuncture and a safe space to gather, connect, and support one another. Details on this Instagram post. Free Community Acupuncture Hours:
- Friday, October 16 | 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM
- Saturday, October 17 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Chill Well Bend – Sauna, cold plunge, and floats are free of charge through October 18
WitchCrafting with Josie – Free ritual and spiritual supplies
The Peoples Apothecary – Free self-care station October 16 – 18 with biomat and comfy seating to rest on, tinctures, hydrosols, flower essences, and essential oils for distressing times, including our Grief Tonic and Flowers for These Times.
COMMUNITY CARE – ACTIVITIES AND SHARED SPACES
High Desert Museum – Free Admission on Friday, October 16
Circuit Gym in Bend – Free day passes for everyone on October 16 – 18. The Circuit is located at 63051 NE Corporate Pl. See this Instagram post for details.
Stillwater Yoga Wellness – Free yoga classes all weekend
Namaspa Yoga – Free yoga classes all weekend
Hopscotch Kids – Comfort corner through the weekend
Tea & Art Lounge – Free Art Activities for Kids on Friday, October 16, 12 pm to 2 pm. Ken’s Pizza is offering a free pizza buffet at lunch time at the Tea Lounge
Hearts Unknown Education – Open today from 12 – 3 pm for kids and teens for free art, community, and El Sancho tacos
Goodlife – Free family movie night with free soup, popcorn, and cocoa on Friday, October 16
Play Theory Cafe – free admission or pay what you can on Friday, October 16th
Dakota’s Brick Shop – Friday October 16 though the weekend, offering open Lego play area with no purchase expected
Two Suns Art Studio + Makerspace – Creative materials and hands-on tools for expression for Silver Rail families
Open Arts Center – OAC will be open Friday, October 16 from 10 am – 2 pm for families and community members wanting to share space together. They’ll have food, art supplies, a cozy lounge area, music and most importantly human connection. For questions, please send a direct message on Instagram or reach out at hello@theopenartscenter.org.
Vista Mista – Free community embroidery gathering Friday, October 16 10 am – 2 pm.
Haven Coworking – Doors are open on Friday, October 16 to anyone who needs a place to gather, find comfort, or simply be surrounded by community. Children are welcome, too. Located at 1001 SW Disk Dr.
Oregon State Parks – Waiving all day use fees from October 16 – 18 in Central Oregon, including LaPine, The Cove Palisades, Tumalo, Cline Falls, Prineville Reservoir, and Smith Rock.
COMMUNITY CARE – FOOD
Please confirm community support options are still available. Most establishments have been very good about providing updates on their social media and many have extended their offers.
Simón Latin Cuisine – Free food and drinks for students, teachers, school staff, and first responders
A Broken Angel – Free food for kids October 16 – 18
Austin Kitchen, Wine Bar, Mercantile – Kids eat free
10 Barrel Brewing – Free pizza and large house salad for those affected and first responders on October 17, use the word “community”
Bo’s – Free meals on Friday, October 16 and every Friday
Pine Tavern – Free meals for kids Saturday, October 17
Pinky G’s – Free slices for Silver Rail families and first responders
Blue Eyes Burgers and Fries – Free ice cream on Friday, October 16
Lucky Woodsman – Free meals to anyone directly affected on Friday, October 16th including students, families, staff, and first responders.
Americana – Free meals for families faculty of Silver Rail and first responders on October 16
Corndog Co of Central Oregon – Free meals for those affected from 11 am – 6 pm on October 16
Rainbow Te Cart – Will be at Larkspur park 2 – 4 pm with free tea October 17
almadorada – Free hot cocoa and drip coffee through the weekend
Mimi’s Bagels Bend – free meal for those affected
Cafe Deschutes – Free coffee, tea, and cocoa
Brewed Awakenings – Free cocoa for kids
Dudley’s Bookstore – Free cocoa and cider for kids
Holm Made Toffee – Free toffee and flowers outside their space at 1234 NE 1st St
