Two local relief nurseries aimed at preventing child abuse are merging. MountainStar Family Relief Nursery in Bend and Juniper Junction Relief Nursery in Madras have combined. MountainStar will serve as the primary administrative hub for the new effort, and the Juniper Junction location will operate as a satellite operation.

With the new additional site, MountainStar will now provide services for 350 babies and children in Jefferson and Deschutes counties.

Relief nurseries serve families with many risk factors for child abuse, such as homelessness, substance abuse, low incomes, mental health issues and more.

Contact: www. mountainstarfamily.org