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PORTLAND, Ore. (KPTV) - The Starlight Parade is a long-standing tradition of The Rose Festival and for the first time, CareOregon will be sponsoring the parade with Trillium Family Services.

Jami Vandergon is the CEO of Trillium Family Services. She said this is the first time her organization will sponsor any of the Rose Festival parades. She hopes their presence, along with CareOregon, continues to normalize the conversation of mental health.

“Mental Health is health,” Vandergon said. “Us pretending that it’s something separate or separate program is ludicrous in so many ways.”

At Trillium Family Services, their focus is addressing the mental health needs of Oregon families and their children.

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Canoes, paddleboards and other non-motorized watercraft are now allowed on the lake.

Their campus in Northeast Portland is not only a safe space for young people and families, but it’s also a hub of activity.

Shanin Engman is the Volunteer and Donor Engagement Manager. She helps organize many of the activities that help create a positive atmosphere.

“We do self-care days, we do farmers markets, holidays, all of those things,” Engman said. “It’s fun to shop up and make the kids smile.”

She said whether it’s a large donation to build a playground or a small one for self-care days, each activity helps young Oregonians improve their mental health.

“We’re all about teaching them coping skills,” Engman said “We have our skills trainers and our therapists that are front line with them. They’re teaching them how to manage their symptoms and take care of themselves.”

Since the Pandemic, Oregon and the United States have seen a sharp rise in those reporting poor mental health. Amy Shea Reyes, CareOregon’s Behavioral Health Manager for Children, Youth, and Families, said her staff is witnessing the need firsthand.

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The Portland Rose Festival CityFair brings carnival rides, fair foods, interactive exhibits and entertainment to the waterfront.

“All of our providers are working incredibly hard to ensure they meet the needs of our community,” Shea Reyes said.

She said though the increase in demand can be taxing on providers, the silver lining is that more people are feeling comfortable talking about mental health.

“There’s a lot of stigma around seeking help,” Shea Reyes said. “But from what I see, especially among our youth, willingness and a desire to make sure not only is their health being supported, but that of their friends. It’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to seek out services.”

For both CareOregon and Trillium Family Services, the Starlight Parade is a chance for the community to see some of Oregon’s Mental Health Providers, center stage for the brightest night of the Rose Festival.