Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

What is VetREST

VetREST is a A 501(c)(3) (non-profit) organizatio founded in 2012 by Ret. Major General Dan York (USAR) to help Veterans "Find Peace from the Hidden Battle" by mentoring Veterans. We strive to provide farming opportunities in safe and supportive environment where Veterans can achieve wellness themselves and produce healthy food for our nation.

How does VetREST help Veterans

VetREST offers volunteer and mentoring opportunities for Veterans to help them with their mental health, and to help provide food for our nation. It's win-win.

We are committed to providing a caring, safe environment where any Veteran suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) or other challenges can heal. We find that greenhouses, gardens, and farms provide a terrific, healing space and opportunity for us to provide "come-alongside" mentoring.

How can I help VetREST?

Please see our How to Help page which lists ways to volunteer, sponsor, donate, attend events, and more.

What is Therapeutic Horticulture?

Therapeutic Horticulture is a form of therapy that brings out the healing power of working and tending the land. The VetREST Therapeutic Horticulture series is our new initiative to help Veterans in the Portland Metro area find their peace. Through grant funding, we are offering facilitated monthly activities that highlight the seasonality of garden work and parallels to personal growth. Find out more.

CSA Questions

What is the VetREST Cut Flower CSA?

Our VetREST Cut Flower CSA, or Community Supported Agriculture, is a new initiative launching in 2026 that will help fund our Bybee Lakes Hope Center Victory Garden production and operations. In exchange for a donation/subscription, from July to mid-October, CSA members will receive once or twice monthly cut flower floral bouquets that will be available for pick-up at several Metro-area locations.

See our GiveButter Cut Flower CSA page for more information.

What is the cost of the VetREST CSA?

We have two opportunities to participate, Full and Half shares.

  • For a "Full Bloom" [full] Share ($300), you will receive a fresh bouquet of flowers every other week* from July through the middle of October, for eight total bouquets.
  • For a "Seedling" [half] Share ($175), you will receive a fresh bouquet of flowers every other month from mid-July through mid-October, for four total bouquets

An additional program donation of $150 full share / $75 half share is encouraged to help us sustain and expand operations this year and next!

Is my VetREST CSA donation tax-deductible?

Most likely, but this depends on your individual tax situation. We encourage you to contact your tax professional for guidance.

We provide the FMV (Fair Market Value) of your subscription on the sign-up page.

To view, choose the "Subscribe to CSA" button to bring up the donation options along with their FMV.

Our tax ID will be included on your receipt, or on request.

Where can I view the VetREST CSA Membership Agreement?
What is GiveButter?

GiveButter is our partner in fundraising. It was co-founded by Max Friedman, Ari Krasner, and Liran Cohen in 2016 to help raise funds for a friend's passionate cause and felt there was 'a better way'. The widely used platform helps us organize our contacts, donations, and activities.

About GiveButter, from George Washington University (their alma mater).

Where and When will VetREST CSA Bouquets be Available?

For your convenience, pickup locations will be available throughout the Metro area (N, SE, Beaverton, Vancouver).

Pickup days and times vary (Friday, Saturday, or Sunday) depending on location. Please see our 2026 VetREST CSA Flyer.

While we will do our best to accommodate your preferred location, space is limited at some sites. If your first choice is full, we will reach out to you to select an alternate location.