Our Story
The Community Alliance of the Far Eastside, known as CAFE, began in the 1980s when four dedicated women gathered to discuss the pressing needs of their community. Their grassroots efforts led to the establishment of social service providers and neighborhood groups, ultimately culminating in the formation of CAFE. Today, CAFE stands as a beacon of hope, offering a wide range of services designed to uplift and empower residents of the Far Eastside.
CAFE provides direct aid to those in desperate need, assisting working families with high winter heating bills, offering structured activities and nutritious meals for the elderly, and connecting the unemployed with essential job training and counseling. Additionally, CAFE creates a safe and nurturing after-school environment for children, ensuring peace of mind for working parents.
As tireless advocates for the community, CAFE rallies citizens to improve the Far Eastside. The organization supports low- and moderate-income homeowners with necessary repairs and refurbishes houses for first-time buyers. CAFE serves as a central hub for community action groups, providing meeting spaces for initiatives like the Apartment Managers Roundtable and collaborating with the Eastside Neighborhood Action and Community Team (ENACT) for town hall meetings and neighborhood cleanups.
Community events such as cookouts, holiday parties, and neighborhood dinners foster a sense of belonging and engagement among residents. The crown jewel of CAFE is the Far Eastside Neighborhood Center, which opened in 2002. This vibrant center not only houses CAFE's offices but also serves as a gathering place for people of all ages, offering recreational and educational activities throughout the year.