A fundraising dinner and auction to support Baker County’s Wraparound program is planned for Saturday, May 4, at the Baker Elks Lodge.

The state of Oregon mandated the Wraparound program in 2014. Since then, Baker County has served 171 families, and more than 100 have successfully transitioned out of the program, said Jenny Blair, lead Wraparound care coordinator for New Directions Northwest.

“To have that success feels pretty darn good,” Blair said.

Wraparound is for families that are involved in multiple social systems, such as mental health, parole and probation, or child welfare.

Each of those systems have requirements for the family, and Wraparound brings together representatives from each service to create one plan for the family.

“What is the family’s overall goal?” Blair said.

Families can be referred to Wraparound from school staff or a neighbor, or they can self-refer through New Directions Northwest.

The Wraparound team helps facilitate meetings and creates an individualized plan for each family to meet their goal.

“We’re there to support the whole family,” said Angela Dorman, family support specialist. “We work on what is important to them.”

A family is typically in Wraparound for 12 to 18 months. Blair said there are about 25 families in the program at a time.

The first month includes gathering information about a family’s situation and building repertoire, Blair said.

“It’s about relationship and connection,” she said. “They can trust you through this process in life.”

Once a plan is set, coordinators check in with the family weekly or more often, depending on each situation. Wraparound serves families in every Baker County town, plus North Powder.

When a family graduates from Wraparound, they often celebrate with a special event and invite Wraparound staff.

“We celebrate big,” said Cassie Reeder, care coordinator.

The fundraiser

State funds are available for Wraparound needs that cost more than $50, such as help with housing or a camp experience.

The May fundraiser supports smaller, immediate needs that supports a family. Blair said the Wraparound staff can access this fund for items that cost less than $50, such as a pair of shoes so a child can start the track season, supplies for a game night, or a planner for a mom to keep track of appointments.

“We are the only county in the state of Oregon that has these funds,” she said.

Doors open at 5 p.m. Saturday, May 4 at the Elks Lodge, 1896 Second St. Dinner starts at 5:30 p.m. and offers a choice of chicken marsala or tri-tip. Tickets are $35 and available in advance at Mad Habit Boutique, Ace Hardware and Kicks Sports.

Tickets will also be available at the door, but organizers encourage early ticket sales to help plan the meal.

The evening also features a silent auction of baskets filled with community donations and music by Andy Ballard. Community partners will talk about their experience collaborating with Wraparound, and a mother and youth will talk about how the program has benefited their family, Blair said.