In response to the ongoing fallout from the Oct. 15 tragedy at Silver Rail Elementary, the parent‑run Silver Rail Children’s Fund has opened a 90‑day emergency assistance program for affected families, teachers and staff in Bend, Oregon.
Simple, direct help
The fund promises rapid, low‑bureaucracy aid. Eligible households simply register and show either Oregon Crime Victims’ Compensation approval or verification from a parent volunteer. No extensive paperwork, welfare office visits or long waitlists are required.
Assistance comes in the form of direct payments for groceries, gas and utility bills, as well as household help, counseling and academic tutoring. The organization also coordinates moves, home‑cleaning and handyman services, and provides extra support for Thanksgiving and winter holidays.
Why the program matters now
One month after the incident, many parents are still unable to return to work because their children cannot leave their side or are not ready for school. Most families who applied for Paid Leave Oregon have not yet received payments, leaving households without expected paychecks.
“These are working families who have never asked for help in their lives,” said Nicole Ybarrondo, a Silver Rail mother of two and president of the fund. “We don’t want to be on welfare or food stamps. We just need a hand up during the hardest month of our lives.”
Shifting needs
Initially, requests focused on counseling and opportunities for children to see classmates. Over the past weeks, the demand has shifted toward basic necessities. Families have asked for utility assistance, grocery cards and gas money; one mother has already faced eviction.
To meet those needs, the fund makes direct payments to stores, gas stations and utility providers, ensuring families receive help without delay.
Support services
Beyond financial aid, the program offers mental‑health resources. Deschutes County Health Services counselors attend every event, providing therapeutic play for children and small‑group counseling for parents. Specialized groups serve fathers, Spanish‑speaking families and parents of neurodivergent students.
For children who missed a month of school, the fund partners with the Tutoring Club of Bend and Mathnasium of Bend to provide academic tutoring.
Volunteer‑driven effort
The entire operation is run by 27 unpaid parent volunteers, ensuring that every dollar goes directly to families. Eligibility includes Silver Rail Elementary students present on Oct. 15, their siblings, children of staff and teachers, and any Silver Rail employee regardless of whether they return to the building.
More than 140 children and siblings are registered, and the organization serves over 200 families each week. Ahead of school reopening, more than 80 students made flowers for teachers, and a recent distribution helped more than 70 families with gas and dinner.
Looking ahead
The emergency victim services program will remain active for the full 90‑day window, giving families a short‑term safety net while they work to stabilize their households.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
