J Bar J Youth Services Offers Programs for Those at Risk When They Need Help the Most
Supporting Community
When Stephanie Alvstad thinks about J Bar J Youth Services, the organization she leads as president and CEO, she sees it through the lens of community connection. “Everything we do comes down to relationships. And when those connections are strong, lives change,” said Alvstad. The mission of J Bar J Youth Services is to support young people facing significant challenges. Youth connect with the nonprofit in various ways, including court appointments, referrals from community partners and by seeking help directly through the programs.
J Bar J’s network of programs have served Central Oregon’s at-risk youth for nearly six decades. Founded in 1968, J Bar J facilitates everything from emergency shelter to equine psychotherapy and helping young people build confidence and self-sufficiency. “We work with youth who have often been through tremendous difficulties,” Alvstad said. “Our goal is to provide the stability and support they need to move forward.”
The Oregon High Desert Classics is the major fundraiser for J Bar J Youth Services.
Different from traditional services, J Bar J’s programs offer specialized support systems. Their residential facilities, such as the J Bar J Boys Ranch and J5, provide rehabilitation for young men facing adversity or those involved in the juvenile justice system.
J Bar J Youth Services includes multiple programs: The Cascade Youth and Family Center delivers emergency shelter and housing solutions for youth experiencing homelessness. J Bar J operates the at: project, providing intervention and assistance for human trafficking victims; and Grandma’s House offers shelter for pregnant girls and young mothers.
Mentorship remains central through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon, which pairs children as young as age 8—known as “Littles”—with adult mentors for guidance. These relationships often extend into high school. In 2023, 100% of the program’s high school Littles graduated or received their GED. For young women needing intensive intervention, The Academy at Sisters serves as a therapeutic boarding school focusing on healing and growth.
The J Bar J Learning Center offers alternative education for youth who struggle in traditional schools, while Kindred Connections stabilizes home environments by supporting families in crisis.
Funding for Programs Comes From Oregon High Desert Classics
To support its wide range of programs, J Bar J hosts the Oregon High Desert Classics at its Boys Ranch every July. The two-week hunter-jumper competition draws thousands of equestrians from across North America to compete for $150,000 in prizes, including the $25,000 Grand Prix. The event is the organization’s largest fundraiser and holds the highest AA rating from the U.S. Equestrian Foundation. The competition is on one of the last remaining grass footing rings in the country—a prized surface in the equestrian world that’s worth experiencing.
The event is open to the public, with many locals making it an annual tradition. Spectators enjoy watching skilled riders and horses in action, plus exploring a variety of vendors offering local food and artisan items.
The Central Oregon community is invited to contribute time and professional expertise to support J Bar J’s mission. From bankers teaching accounting skills to chefs hosting cooking classes, community members have numerous opportunities to make an impact on young people’s lives. Become more involved with J Bar J’s mission, here.
