July 8, 2025 3:05 a.m.

A H.O.P.E. Drug Court participant is partnering with the Oregon Department of Human Services to collect needed items for families going through the reunification process through a community project called, “Families United in Hope” – emphasizing the importance of having items to assist with the bonding process.

Ashley Alexander chose to help the Child Welfare Division through ODHS. Alexander said, “I am doing this project as I was once in the shoes of those parents feeling worthless like there was no possible way to get through the beginning stages of recovery, but as long as we stay willing and accept the help and support we are given, it is possible”. Alexander said, “I am here to help the parents believe in themselves and rebuild their relationships with their children”.

The items needed include card games and small board games, matchbox cars, coloring books and crayons, activity books, fruit snacks and bottled water, small toys and action figures, stuffed animals and small dolls, building blocks and sensory toys. These items can be dropped off through August 1st at:

*Douglas County Juvenile Department on the first floor of the courthouse

*Adapt Integrated Health Care at 548 Southeast Jackson Street

*Clint Newell Motors on Northeast Garden Valley Boulevard.

A benefit car wash will be held on Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Sherm’s Thunderbird on Northwest Stewart Parkway.

H.O.P.E. Drug Court will hold graduation on August 26th at 5:15 p.m. in the Cascade Hall building of the Douglas County Fairgrounds.

For more information on H.O.P.E. Drug Court, go to: https://www.douglascountyor.gov/851/HOPE-Drug-Court