Growing Hope: A Greenhouse Rebuild at Cordero House

A Safe Haven for Healing

Cordero House, located in Portland, Oregon, is a residential treatment program serving male youth ages 13–19 under the care of the Oregon Youth Authority. Operated by Janus Youth Programs, the facility offers a structured and supportive environment where young men receive therapy, counseling, and life skills training as they prepare to reunite with their families or transition into new programs.

The Greenhouse: A Symbol of Growth

At the heart of Cordero House’s healing process is its onsite greenhouse—a space where residents and their families connect through hands-on experiences that foster growth, recovery, and renewal. When the original greenhouse became unusable, a generous supporter stepped in to donate a new one, sparking a community-driven effort to rebuild.

A Labor of Love

Over two days, Catalyst volunteers came together to dismantle the old structure and assemble the new greenhouse. The task proved more challenging than expected—three massive boxes filled with what felt like 10,000 tiny parts made it feel like the ultimate IKEA puzzle. But through patience, teamwork, and determination, the volunteers built something truly beautiful.

Community in Action

In total, 11 volunteers contributed 96 hours to complete the project. A standout moment was the partnership with Shepherd’s Door, a long-term addiction recovery facility for women and women with children. Their volunteers made up about 75% of the workforce, demonstrating the incredible power of one recovery community supporting another.

A Shared Journey of Healing

This project was more than just a greenhouse build—it was a testament to the strength, generosity, and interconnectedness of the recovery community. It reminded everyone involved of the profound impact that collaboration and compassion can have on the path to healing.

Project Stats and Partners:

Number of Volunteers - 11

Number of Hours - 96

Shepherd’s Door 

Project photos