Bend, Ore. – In a heartfelt effort to help the Silver Rail Elementary community heal, Worthy Brewing on Northeast Bellevue Drive opened its space for a dedicated gathering on Saturday. The event welcomed students, parents, teachers, school staff and any resident affected by the recent shooting at the elementary school.
Purpose and programming
The gathering was designed as a safe venue for community members to voice concerns, ask questions and find support resources. A longtime school psychologist and national crisis‑response specialist led the discussion, covering practical strategies for both children and adults to cope with trauma, recognize early signs of emotional distress and identify pathways toward recovery.
Community response
Local families expressed gratitude for the opportunity to come together in a familiar, welcoming environment. “It means a lot that we have a place to talk openly about what happened and how we can help our kids move forward,” said one parent who attended with her two children.
School staff also highlighted the value of having professional guidance on site. “Having a trained crisis responder here helps us feel better equipped to support our students day‑to‑day,” noted a teacher from Silver Rail Elementary.
Resources available
Attendees received information about local counseling services, faith‑based support groups and school‑run mental‑health programs. Representatives from the Bend Mental Health Collaborative and a local church ministry were on hand to answer questions and distribute contact details for ongoing assistance.
Worthy Brewing’s role
Owner‑operator of Worthy Brewing emphasized the brewery’s commitment to community well‑being. “We wanted to use our space to bring people together in a time of need,” he said. “Providing a comfortable setting where neighbors can share and heal aligns with our values of service and fellowship.”
The brewery offered complimentary non‑alcoholic beverages and light snacks, ensuring that families with children felt welcome. The event remained open throughout the afternoon, allowing anyone who needed support to drop in.
Looking ahead
Organizers plan to hold additional sessions in the coming weeks, focusing on topics such as grief counseling, rebuilding a sense of safety in schools and strengthening family resilience. They encourage community members to stay engaged with local resources and to reach out whenever they need help.
For more information about upcoming gatherings or to access mental‑health referrals, residents can contact the Silver Rail Elementary counseling office or visit the Bend Mental Health Collaborative website.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
