Who We Are
Forest Grove Foundation is a locally-grown nonprofit serving Forest Grove and Western Washington County for over three decades
We address poverty and homelessness through peer-led programs centered on lived experience and community needs. Together with our partners and neighbors, we are building a healthier, more compassionate community.
Our Mission
To address issues of human suffering related to poverty in Western Washington County.
Our Team
Leadership
- Shawn Cardwell, Executive Director
- Jack Koran, Food Program Director
- Krishelle Lucas, Supportive Services & Behavioral Health Program Director
Staff
- Ambreya Bell, Housing & Outreach Services Team
- Dan Boone, Housing & Outreach Services Team
- Max Casey, Community Food Systems Steward
- Charlee Davis, Housing & Outreach Services Team Coordinator
- Michelle Gardiner, Accounting Specialist
- Doug Westberg, Peer Support Specialist
- Marta Lopez, Peer Support Specialist
Board of Directors
- Laura Thompson-Aue, President
- Everardo Lopez-Pizano, Vice President
- Don Schweitzer, Treasurer
- Christina Rentes, Secretary
- Odalis Aguilera
- Johanna Flores
- Steve Mann
- Kellie Mickel
- Al Weiss
Our Forest Grove-based team includes peer support specialists, subject matter experts on housing and homelessness, scholars and local students.
Interested in working at FGF? Visit our careers page for more information.
Our History
Incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 1995, the Foundation initially served as a fiscal sponsor, empowering local organizations to pursue charitable and community-building efforts. For nearly 25 years, we helped fund local sports and civic events, arts and education initiatives, and other community programs.
In 2020, responding to the local issues around poverty and homelessness exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, we began shifting our focus toward supporting programs that address these challenges. By mid-2021, our Board of Directors decided to take a more active role in these efforts and formalized our transition from fiscal support to direct social services.
The hiring of the Foundation’s first Executive Director in August 2021 marked a turning point, as the organization began developing and expanding our programs focused on alleviating suffering and fostering dignity for the region’s most vulnerable populations.
Throughout our evolution, the Foundation has remained steadfast in its commitment to making a difference in the Western Washington communities where we live, work, and play.
Visit our What We Do page to learn more about our current programs, or visit our Donate page to learn how you can support this vital work.
Pre-2020 projects supported by the Foundation
- Love Rocks Run (Anna & Abby’s Yard), 2014–2019
- Community Sundial, 2019
- Lions (vision), 2014–2018
- Main Course, 2010–2018
- Sister Cities, 2008–2019
- Brick Campaign (Public Arts), 2008
- Christmas Tree Festival, 2007
- Community Labyrinth (Rotary), 2005
- Brick Campaign, 2003–2004
- Fireworks Fund, 2002–2008
- Holiday Decorating, 2000–2019
- Arboretum (Forestry), 2000–2007
- Cornelius Boosters (scholarships), 2000–2006
- Our Pride (graffiti, parks, N entrance), 1999–2011
- Heritage Days (Corn Roast), 2005–2008
- Skateboard Park, 1999
- Cycle Oregon, 1994