Bend preschool to open for child abuse victims

BEND, Ore. – A new preschool program that serves victims of child abuse and neglect is set to open in Bend thanks to a $448,000 grant from the Central Oregon Health Council.

The Bend Bulletin reports that the money will allow MountainStar Family Relief Nursery to start a program for 22 students who are too young to enter kindergarten. The grant will be distributed over a three-year period.

The organization, one of 32 relief nurseries in the state, aims to prevent child abuse and neglect by providing therapy and other services to child victims of abuse. Its goal for the new preschool is to combine therapeutic services with a preschool curriculum.

MountainStar Executive Director Tim Rusk says this type of program can significantly reduce neglect and abuse.