Youth Peace & Justice Foundation Launches National Fundraiser for Bend School Shooting Victims’ Families
Building on recent emergency assistance efforts, the Uvalde-founded nonprofit mobilizes corporate sponsors, national partners, and individual donors to provide immediate aid and crisis support
BEND, Oregon — October 15, 2026 — Youth Peace & Justice Foundation, also known as The Uvalde Foundation For Kids, has launched a national collective fundraising effort to provide immediate financial assistance to verified families affected by the deadly shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon.
Three children, ages 5, 8, and 11, and a teacher were killed in the shooting. Another child and a teacher were taken to the hospital, according to police.
The foundation has opened its emergency response fund and is bringing together corporate sponsors, national partners, and individual donors to help families facing urgent expenses following the tragedy.
YPJF will begin reviewing victim requests immediately and will distribute available funds to verified families as quickly as verification and payment arrangements allow. The foundation will review requests individually and work to ensure assistance reaches the families for whom it is intended.
The effort builds on the foundation’s recent emergency response work in communities across the country. Following the August 15, 2026, shooting at Charles Young Park in Lexington, Kentucky, YPJF reported distributing $15,126.34 in emergency assistance by August 21. The foundation also reported receiving 213 assistance inquiries as it worked to address needs among those affected.
In addition to financial assistance, YPJF is offering direct crisis support, online peer crisis counseling, referrals to support services, and help navigating emergency resources for families and the wider Bend community.
The foundation has reached out to city and school officials, including Sheila Miller, spokesperson for the Bend Police Department, to offer assistance and explore appropriate ways to support the community. YPJF has also shared its Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) and crisis response support package with officials for review.
A message from founder Daniel Chapin
“When I heard about the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary, I thought about the children and families whose lives have been changed forever. No parent should have to face the loss of a child, and no school community should have to go through something like this.
“After the shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde on May 24, 2022, I learned that families need more than words of sympathy. They may need help with immediate expenses, access to support services, and someone who will listen as they try to work out what comes next.
“We have responded to tragedies in different parts of the country, and now we are extending that effort to Bend. We are asking corporate sponsors, our national partners, and people across the country to come together so verified families can receive financial assistance as quickly as possible.
“We have contacted local officials and school representatives to offer our crisis response resources. We want to help in a way that respects the work already taking place and the needs identified by those closest to the situation.
“We cannot undo what happened. We can help families with immediate needs, make support available, and continue to stand with them after the headlines move on. That is why this foundation exists, and it is why we are responding now,” said Daniel Chapin, Founder and President of Youth Peace & Justice Foundation.
National fundraiser and immediate family assistance
The national collective fundraiser is intended to provide direct financial assistance to verified families of victims. The foundation is seeking contributions through corporate sponsors, national partners, and individual supporters.
Funds designated for the Bend response will be directed to verified families as contributions are received and the necessary verification and payment arrangements are completed. Financial assistance will depend on verified needs and the funds available for distribution.
To contribute to the emergency response fund, you may donate via our platform partners such as Benevity, Walmart and others or via the foundation website.
Organizations interested in supporting the collective fundraising effort may contact the foundation directly.
Crisis support and community services
Families and community members seeking support may contact Youth Peace & Justice Foundation through either of these channels:
Online: Visit https://youthpeaceandjusticefoundation.com and select the Community Response section for support information and the crisis-reporting option.
By phone: Call (254) 499-8027 to contact the foundation about support services and available resources.
The foundation offers online peer crisis counseling available 24 hours a day, crisis support and referrals, and assistance navigating potential emergency resources. Financial assistance requests will be reviewed individually.
About Youth Peace & Justice Foundation
Youth Peace & Justice Foundation, also known as The Uvalde Foundation For Kids, was established following the May 24, 2022, shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. The national youth advocacy and violence-prevention nonprofit works in crisis response, emergency assistance, violence prevention, and support for individuals and families affected by violence.
Media and community contact
Youth Peace & Justice Foundation
Also known as The Uvalde Foundation For Kids
Phone: (254) 499-8027
Email: youthpeacejusticefoundation@gmail.com
Website: https://youthpeaceandjusticefoundation.com
EIN: 88-3268749
