10/16/2026
In moments of heartbreak, community matters most.
Our hearts are heavy as we join the Bend community, our state, and our nation in mourning the tragic loss of innocent lives at Silver Rail Elementary School.
At HR Answers, we believe caring for people is at the heart of everything we do. During times like these, compassion, connection, and community matter more than ever.
We encourage our clients and fellow employers to take a moment to remind their teams of the support available to them:
Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): Remind employees of available confidential counseling, emotional well-being resources, and other support services offered through your organization's EAP.
Management Support Resources: Many EAP providers offer specialized guidance for supervisors and organizational leaders, including assistance with supporting employees through grief, navigating difficult conversations, and responding to traumatic community events.
Community Outreach and Support: Consider engaging with local organizations, community outreach initiatives, and verified support resources serving those impacted. Whether through donations, volunteering, or simply showing up for one another, every thoughtful gesture matters.
Compassion in the Workplace: Create space for employees to process their emotions, ask for support, and care for themselves and their families without judgment.
We stand alongside Bend's City leaders, local partners, first responders, and the entire community in supporting the faculty, students, and families of Silver Rail Elementary. In the days ahead, may we continue to show up for one another with empathy, grace, and care.
With heartfelt sympathy and solidarity,
The HR Answers Team
