Tonya's House

The public is invited to attend an open house at Tonya’s House on Nov. 9 to check out the place where at-risk teen girls receive the support they need to focus on their educations, life skills, health care and reuniting with their families.

The open house, which runs from 5-7 p.m. on Nov. 9, invites Tonya’s House donors and other community members into the house at 328 S.W. Court Avenue in Pendleton for a tour, light refreshments and to mingle with Board members and staff.

Visitors may also view the basement area, which the non-profit is raising funds for remodeling. The space currently has concrete walls and floors, and serves as storage, and has a small half-bathroom and a small office for Tonya’s House Director Sondra Kerby. A grant from the Wildhorse Foundation paid for updates to the sprinkler system in the basement, as well as is expected to help pay for some electrical work. The goal is to turn the basement space into a warmer, more usable area, including a living room, finished office, full bathroom with shower, and a secure storage area. Tonya’s House Board members hope fundraising will help to pay for the remainder of the remodeling.

Tonya’s House provides a home and services for homeless and at-risk teenage girls. Tonya’s House creates an environment where these girls can focus on their educations, life skills, health care and reuniting with their families. The organization coordinates with a variety of local service providers to develop treatment programs and life skills training for residents. The organization was founded by ElRae Wells in 2001, and now has funding support from Greater Oregon Behavioral Health, Inc. Tonya’s House also relies upon grants and donations from the local community.

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