A place to learn a trade should have room for more than the tools. At Heart of Oregon Corps’ new Redmond campus, young people have space for hands-on training, studying and the everyday support that helps them keep moving toward a career.

The nonprofit celebrated the campus opening on September 30. Alongside the ribbon cutting, a chainsaw took care of a log and a two-by-four—a fitting touch for an organization built around learning by doing, according to Cascade Business News’ coverage.

Room to build a future

The 3.4-acre campus brings together a classroom and office center, a training warehouse and equipment bays. Heart of Oregon’s campus plans also include laundry and shower facilities, private meeting spaces and a courtyard where participants can gather or take a break.

The organization trains young people for work in construction, childcare, conservation and wildfire risk reduction. It serves youth across Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties, with satellite locations helping rural participants stay connected to opportunities closer to home.

A home base of their own

For years, that work depended on a patchwork of aging and borrowed facilities. The new campus gives the organization a central base for its programs while keeping those regional connections.

Heart of Oregon reported that its Legacy 25 campaign raised $8 million, exceeding the project’s $7.3 million goal. Additional campaign gifts will support a fund for campus maintenance and equipment updates.

For young people taking a workforce path, the campus puts training spaces and practical support in one place—and gives them a place to return as they work toward their next step.

Photo: Noah Nelson / Cascade Business News.