The Rosewood Initiative

We are proud to share our 2025 Annual Report, which compiles the stories and numbers that make up our organizational impact from last year.

As we reflect on 2025, it's clear that it was pivotal. Across East Multnomah County, families navigated fear and uncertainty in their daily lives, like threats of ICE patrolling our neighborhood, cuts to essential benefits, and economic instability. During times like these, places that offer stability, connection, and trust become even more important.

The Rosewood Community Hub continues to grow as a center of possibility for East Portland. Together, volunteers and staff create a network of support that extends far beyond the capacity of any single person.

Some impact highlights from 2025:

2672 Community Center visits
257 volunteer hours logged supporting our food forest
$20,000 in transit fares distributed
55 partner organizations at health & wellness events

To our supporters, partners, and neighbors: thank you! Your belief in this work allows Rosewood to remain a place where people gather, learn, support one another, and build a stronger future together. We are grateful to be building this future with you.

And a huge thank you to all the community members who shared their stories for this report, and to FLI Media for capturing many of the photos used.

Read the full report here: https://www.rosewoodinitiative.org/annual-reports

Exciting news! We are a Free Lunch + Play site this summer with Portland Parks & Rec! Five days a week, we'll be hosting free lunch, drop-in games, crafts, and recreation in our green space for youth ages 18 and under! Monday - Friday, 10:00am - 2:00pm.
Programming kicks off June 22nd and runs through August 21st, with no program on Friday, July 3. Lunch is served 11:45am-1:15pm. We hope to see you at Rosewood this summer!

¡Noticias emocionantes! ¡Somos un sitio de juegos de almuerzo gratis este verano con Portland Parks & Rec! Cinco días a la semana, organizaremos almuerzo gratis, juegos de entrega, manualidades y recreación en nuestro espacio verde para jóvenes de 18 años o menos! Lunes - Viernes, 10:00am - 2:00pm. La programación de
comienza el 22 de junio y se extiende hasta el 21 de agosto, sin programa el viernes 3 de julio. El almuerzo se sirve de 11:45am-1:15pm. ¡Esperamos verte en Rosewood este verano!

More information / Más información: https://www.portland.gov/parks/arts-culture/summer-free-all/free-lunch

Here are the partners we are hosting this week at our community hub!

Some highlights:
🟠 Digital Navigation with Free Geek - They are available to answer all your tech-related questions!
🟠 Metro can collect hazardous waste like medical sharps, batteries, and light bulbs.
🟠 Multnomah County SNAP Outreach can help you sign up for SNAP and navigate your benefits.
🟠 Weekly English class is always open for drop ins! It's tailored for English language learners at levels 1-3. Beginners are welcome!
🟠 Multnomah County is bringing their mobile health clinic van to Rosewood. They provide comprehensive medical care, dental cleanings, lab tests and more. This is a drop in service so no appointment is needed.

Please note we'll be opening late on Thursday.

And you can find more information in our Spring programs brochure here: https://www.rosewoodinitiative.org/community-hub

Introducing Paula Byrd as Interim Executive Director 🌹

Following the announcement of Sabrina Wilson’s transition from Executive Director, we want to reaffirm our commitment to the East Portland community. The Rosewood Initiative is here to stay as a community resource hub and gathering space. We remain committed to building a safe, healthy, and vibrant community where neighbors can thrive together. We are excited to continue building upon the groundwork that Sabrina and other Rosewood team members have laid.

As we move forward, the Board of Directors has asked Paula Byrd to serve as Interim Executive Director beginning April 1st. We are thankful for her willingness to step into this role and provide continuity and stability while we work through the next steps.

“I have had the pleasure of calling East Portland home for over five years while serving the Rosewood Initiative community for two years. I am excited to lead the organization through this transition. The Rosewood Initiative has been a pillar in East Portland for over fifteen years, and we will continue to be committed to our neighbors, supporters, and community partners.” - Paula Byrd

If you have any questions about how you can support our work during this time or partner with Rosewood, Paula would love to hear from you. You can reach her at [email protected]. Questions about our programs or other ways to get involved? Email [email protected], and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Our spring programs are continuing as planned, and we invite you to check out our Spring Programs Brochure and find a time to come visit our community hub and food forest this spring! Thank you for your continued support during this time of transition.

In Community,
The Rosewood Initiative Board of Directors and Paula Byrd, Interim Executive Director

Sprong programs brochure: https://www.rosewoodinitiative.org/community-hub -brocure