When schools transitioned to virtual distance learning, educators experienced a shift in how they teach and connect with their students – in record time.

The Natural Sprinkles Co. bakery in Albany has a motto: “Sprinkle kindness everywhere.” On Friday, owner Jolene Wilson stayed true to that motto and guided seven young girls through the process involved in decorating a dozen cupcakes and opening the business to sell them. It was part of an outreach effort by Ophelia’s Place.

Ophelia’s Place Executive Director Verna Wise Matthews and Program Director Laura Sanchez chat with Tracy Berry of Community Forum on KKNU about OP’s programs its impacts on girls and community.

Ophelia’s Place Executive Director Verna Wise Matthews presented to an Oregon State Senate sub-committee and to an Oregon House of Representatives sub-committee about how Ophelia’s Place’s programs help schools make strides against bullying in Lane and Linn Counties.

Ramping up Ophelia’s Place’s services in a community requires partnership. In this case, the Albany Historic Carousel and Museum provided space and carousel rides to girls who stopped by our event to create vision boards for the new school year. Take a look at the wonderful news coverage provided by the Albany Democrat-Herald.

It began when the Junction City Soroptimists reached out to Ophelia’s Place and asked us to bring our services to their community. After two years of raising donations and earning grants, the new location became a reality.