History of Meadowlark

Meadowlark Manor, Inc. was incorporated as a private, non-profit organization on July 9, 1974. Meadowlark was developed based on a growing concern for the number of adolescent girls being referred to the local Juvenile Department for risky behaviors including promiscuity, drug use, running away and being beyond control of parents.

Statistics presented in a feasibility study included:

  • There was an 85% increase in the number of girls referred to the Juvenile Department between January 1970 and December 1972.

  • Between September September 1972 and September 1973, 15 girls were placed in substitute care outside of Deschutes County and in the Central Oregon area.

Through tenacious community efforts and dedicated board members, a loan from the First National Bank of Oregon was received in January 1977 and the dream of a residential program located in Central Oregon was realized when the facility opened later that year.

Initially, Meadowlark Manor was built on the vision of providing counseling services and a living situation that would enable girls to become independent, productive citizens with an improved self concept.

 

Girls committed by the court and referred through the State Children’s Services Division were deemed inappropriate for family foster care but not requiring institutional services. Girls were required to attend three counseling sessions per week, including discussion of philosophical concepts to deal with house and group problems. Activities and recreation were deemed to be integral aspects of the program.

Today, Meadowlark Manor is a residential program for nine adolescent girls needing long-term care for a variety of behavioral and emotional issues. Our residents are referred from the State through a contract with the Department of Human Services (DHS). Our girls remain at Meadowlark on average for 12 months. They are required to attend different treatment groups dealing with issues such as drug and alcohol abuse, physical and sexual abuse, anger management, authority problems, academic achievement and social issues.

Meadowlark residents continue to be actively involved in the community through school activities, recreational opportunities and service projects. All girls in the program attend public school full-time and may receive up to six school credits for completing the Meadowlark Program.