We Can Do Better, If We
Do It Together.

"

We activate networks across sectors and communities to transform
the systems that serve children, youth and families. We work collectively to identify
gaps in opportunity, build knowledge and align strategies, so we can act together to
change policy and practices so children and youth experience a sense of belonging,
no disparities in education outcomes, and are equipped to travel the road to meeting
their full potential.

Our Outcomes

Who We Are

The Better Together partnership is working together as a region.

Education • Business /Service Clubs • Early Learning Professionals

Government Agencies • Nonprofits & Foundations • Individuals

School Districts & Higher Education Institutions 12 School Districts

Bend-La Pine
Crook County
Culver
Jefferson County
Redmond
Sisters
High Desert ESD

Higher Education Institutions

Central Oregon Community College
Oregon State University—Cascades
Oregon State University—Open Campus

BT+ELH is the backbone of this collective impact strategy. We exist to build stronger, aligned systems that serve children, youth, and families through cross-sector partnerships. We activate this network by bringing partners together. We gather data that generates awareness and knowledge. We identify gaps that exist in our communities and systems, initiating strategic partnerships that address those gaps so children, youth, and families can thrive. We also advocate for policy and practice change that is informed by local data, research, and the lived experiences of our community members to create lasting impact. Finally, we leverage resources to do all this sustainably.

Our Framework

Too many of our children and youth in Central Oregon do not have what they need to thrive. Fixing this multi-layered systemic issue is not about adding programs that only address surface-level symptoms of the problem nor is it only about meeting the needs of a few impacted individuals. It’s about thinking differently, adding seats to decision-making tables, and listening to community members. It means acting collectively, outside of our siloes to transform systems. And our solution remains rooted in the value that we can do better if we do it together. No organization or sector can tackle this massive challenge alone. We are an established partnership. Better Together and the Early Learning Hub (BT+ELH) have aligned our efforts across sectors and communities to transform systems, prenatal to career, with you. Our network is 400 stakeholders strong and comes from early care and education, school districts, higher education, healthcare partners, foundations, government, business and industry, parents, and members of the community at large. We are BT+ELH.

Our partnership has redoubled its focus on equity work and elevating all voices necessary to inform and strengthen our initiatives. It’s not enough to just name the disparities that exist between students of color, low-income students, emerging bilingual students, students with disabilities, rural students, and their peers. To move the needle and close gaps in our shared outcomes, prenatal to career, we must co-create solutions with and for the communities we serve.

HEALTHY BIRTHY