COPES 4 Youth About | Copes Peer Centers

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org

YouthLine: Call 877.968.8491 Text teen2teen at 839863 Visit theyouthline.org

COPES Warmline: 541-612-2255

Empowering young people to take control of their health and well-being.

COPES 4 Youth is an extension of Oregon Washington Health Network and COPES programming. We offer peer-based education and prevention services to empower youth to live healthy and substance-free lives.

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Get answers to all your most asked about questions surrounding your health and well-being. Visit our website to find the tools you need to take control of your health today!
www.eoteenhealthed.com

"Empower the youth with skills today, and they will build a better world tomorrow."

Our Mission

COPES 4 Youth strives to create an environment that prioritizes youth well-being, ensuring access to safe and stigma-free services. It is our mission to empower young people to become healthy, happy, and successful members of our community.

Our Focus

COPES 4 Youth is focused on providing behavioral health and substance use disorder services to youth across Northeast Oregon and Southeast Washington. Our trained Peer Specialists provide support and guidance for young people finding their path to recovery.

Our Vision

It is our vision that young people receiving services from COPES 4 Youth will feel empowered and supported in their own abilities to lead a healthy life.

Our Work

COPES 4 Youth uses a unique Peer centered approach to provide services that will create lasting change for individuals and our community.

This program is funded by a four-year Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Behavioral Health Care grant.

Our Services

Youth Peer Centers

The COPES 4 Youth peer centers are designed to create a safe and substance-free environment for youth ages 14-17. Certified peer mentors meet with youth to foster empowerment through shared experiences.

School Education

COPES 4 Youth works with local schools to provide education courses in the areas of Substance Use Prevention, Life-Skills, and Job Readiness.

Community Education

COPES 4 Youth hosts education courses open to the community. Topics cover, substance use prevention, harm reduction, mental health promotion and suicide prevention, and parenting class.

Submit a Referral

Download Referral Form here.

PEER SUPPORT

Empowerment through shared experiences

One-on-one peer mentoring provides youth with support, guidance, and advice from someone who has been where they are. Peer Support Specialist are trained to use their lived experiences to support youth struggling with substance use, mental health, behavioral health, or other hardships often faced by young people today. The role of a Peer Support Specialist is to listen, help find supports, connect youth to additional resources, and to help set goals and formulate steps to reaching those goals. Because a Peer has these lived experiences youth can feel comfortable sharing their story without fear of judgment.

All of our Peers have successfully completed a Peer Support Specialist certification course accredited through the state of Oregon. Our Youth Peers have also received training in QPR: Suicide Intervention skills.

If you are a youth looking for support and would like to meet with a Peer Support Specialist please call or text our Peer Center at 541-304-3172. One of our Peers will be there to answer your call.

If you are a parent, school, or youth serving organization and would like to refer a youth to our services please complete our Youth Referral Form or call us at 541-304-2793.

If you are in crisis and need to talk to someone now, contact YouthLine for teen-to-teen crisis support.

Meet the Team

Project Director/Health Educator

Erin Endicott

erin.endicott@owhn.net

Erin began working with youth in the public health field in 2017. As a Certified Health Education Specialist, Erin taught nutrition education classes before earning her Master's of Arts in Teaching degree from Eastern Oregon University. She taught 2nd grade at Sherwood Elementary in Pendleton for two years before returning to public health. As the Project Director and Health Educator for COPES 4 Youth, Erin hopes to guide youth in making healthy life choices through education and support.

"I have always believed that education is our most powerful tool in creating a healthy future. Through guidance and support, I strive to help every young person who walks through our doors reach their goals and achieve success in living a healthy life."

Youth Peer Lead

Whitney Sanders

whitney.sanders@owhn.net

Whitney began working for COPES in January of 2023 after becoming a Certified Recovery Mentor (CRM) through the state of Oregon. After over a year of working with our adult clients she is ready to step into her new role as the Youth Peer Lead for COPES 4 Youth. Whitney brings a passion for supporting young individuals struggling with life hardships and addiction. She has a deep understanding of the struggles that today's youth face and is committed to providing support, guidance, and a listening ear to those in need. Her work in this field is driven by a desire to make a positive impact on the lives of young individuals in our community.

"In this role I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where youth can feel heard, understood, and empowered to overcome their obstacles. I feel honored to be able to use my own experiences to connect with and inspire others on their journey."

Youth Peer Mentor

Theresa St.Michell

theresa.st.michell@owhn.net

Theresa is a Youth Peer Mentor for COPES 4 Youth. In 2023, she became a Certified Recovery Mentor (CRM) and Peer Support Specialist (PSS). Theresa is working to become a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor and currently holds her CADC-R. As a Youth Peer Mentor, Theresa hopes to educate youth about substance use disorders and coping skills teens can use instead to help create a brighter future.

“I decided to work with COPES 4 Youth because I want to be someone they (youth) can come to in a time of need. I have been that youth in need, but had no one to turn to.”

COPES 4 Youth is an extension of Oregon Washington Health Network and COPES programming. We offer peer-based education and prevention services to empower youth to live healthy and substance-free lives.

Teens!

"Empower the youth with skills today, and they will build a better world tomorrow."

Our Services

PEER SUPPORT

Meet the Team

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Oregon Washington health Network

Community Education

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Warmline Number: 541-612-2255