June 2026
Eight Years Strong…
Dear Friends,
Way back in 2018, Cultivate Initiatives Co-Founder Caleb Coder organized the first ever Eat & Greet in the Mill Park Neighborhood in response to a new Veterans shelter that was moving into the area.
Rather than meeting the announcement with resistance, Caleb and a handful of neighbors chose a different approach: welcoming the shelter's residents as neighbors and gathering around food and conversation to make that happen. The event was small that first year, but it planted something real.
Eight years later, the Eat & Greet has grown into one of the most beloved traditions in the neighborhood. Cultivate Initiatives has grown, expanding its services significantly since then, but always staying true to its roots: making sure everyone feels welcome and able to participate.
This year's 7th Annual Eat & Greet was everything a block party should be. Food carts, live music, carnival games, face painting, a petting zoo, and conversation bingo giving neighbors the perfect excuse to introduce themselves to each other. The event also drew some notable guests, including County Commissioners Singleton, Brim-Edwards, and Jones-Dixon, Portland Council President Dunphy, as well as the Portland Mayor. As always, the real highlight, was watching strangers become friends over plates of tamales and churros.
Because being neighbors is more than sharing a zip code. It's about showing up. It's being part of something bigger than yourself. We are all neighbors and we are all in this together. See you next year!
🎉 Did you make it to this year’s Eat & Greet? Check out our fun Photo Booth shots here to relive those great moments! 📸✨
Community Builders
Thanks to our recent corporate supporters!
We are deeply grateful for the support of you, our broader community. Every gift, every hour volunteered, and every act of care makes this work possible. Alongside your public generosity, we also want to acknowledge a few local partners who have also recently contributed in meaningful ways.
Chick-fil-A
We have to give a huge thank you to Chick-fil-A for their very generous donation to Cultivate Initiatives this year. Additionally, they showed up to the Eat & Greet in full spirit, chicken sandwiches in hand and yes, a cow costume included! It's hard to top that kind of energy.
Washington Federal Bank
We are deeply grateful to WaFd Bank for awarding Cultivate Initiatives a $1,500 grant in support of our work in the community. WaFd's investment reflects a genuine commitment to the neighborhoods they serve, and goes directly toward making sure our programs can keep showing up for the people most in need.
Washington State University Vancouver
A special thank you to Washington State University Vancouver. Through a business analysis of our Property Stewardship Program, WSU Vancouver students provided valuable expertise to build our financial sustainability. This in-kind support highlights how supporting our community can take various forms.
Thank you, Chick-fil-A, WaFd Bank, and Washington State University for your generosity and belief in our community and initiatives. Together, let's keep this momentum going!
With gratitude,
Cultivate Initiatives
