Fire Recovery
During the summer of 2015, the Butte Fire devastated much of Calaveras County, including part of Oakendell. The six bed Transition, Emancipation, Achievement (Tea) House and the barn were lost to the fire. Oakendell was evacuated for two weeks. We were able to continue to provide a safe haven and services for the residents due to the overwhelming dedication of our staff and help from our community and many volunteers. Ingenuity and teamwork allowed us to convert our offices into a four bed Tea House, so that we could continue to provide services to our transitioning residents. As the people of Calaveras County rebuild and recover, so does Oakendell.
Recovery Photos
In October 2016, Dale Whittlock and his crew were hired to rebuild the TEA House and have proceeded at an amazing pace. The TEA House was completed and residents moved back in July 2017. Oakendell’s journey through the Butte Fire is a testament to the resiliency and dedication required to help traumatized youth recover.