Frequently Asked Questions

What is Café au Play?
Café au Play is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide a family-friendly coffeehouse and community center so people of all-ages can develop lasting support networks.  Café au Play offers support programs for adults and children and a place where the community can connect to information, activities, and people.

Where are you located?
Café au Play inhabits the former “Drive-thru Wake-Up Deli” building on the northeast corner of SE 57th and Division across from Atkinson Elementary School, next to Dairy Queen.

What is Tabor Commons?
Tabor Commons is a partnership between three entities: Mount Tabor Neighborhood Association, South Tabor Neighborhood Association and Atkinson PTA. Tabor Commons is the property owner of the physical site where Café au Play is located, at 5633 SE Division.

Who owns the site?
5633 SE Division was formerly inhabited by the “Drive-thru Wake-up and Deli”. After the owner was arrested on drug charges and the property seized by the federal government, Southeast Uplift (SEUL) neighborhood coalition gained ownership of the site on behalf of the Tabor Commons partnership. Café au Play will operate as a partner with Tabor Commons and as their tenant within the building. This project is a fine example of how community members and organizations can work together to affect positive change within their neighborhoods.

Who is cleaning up the site?
The following agencies have been involved in the environmental remediation of the site: City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Oregon Economic and Community Development Department, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and GeoEngineers, Inc. The site clean-up has now been completed, thanks to a $96,000 grant from the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department.

How is Café au Play funded?
The creation of the Café au Play coffeehouse within the Tabor Commons building was funded through individual donations, grants and community fundraising events. Currently, Café au Play's operational expenses and programs are funded through proceeds from the coffee bar, fundraising events and individual donations.

What services does Café au Play offer?
In addition to offering a great cup of coffee, Café au Play is an enriching learning community for families - a place where families can connect to information, activities, and people. We offer workshops and activities for adults and children, and a community meeting space.

How can I help?
There are many ways that you can get involved. You can make an individual contribution or volunteer your professional services by teaching a class at Café au Play.  You can become a Café au Play board member or simply join our community by attending our fundraisers, subscribing to our email newsletter, and participating in our online discussions. If you’d like to share your vision, please provide feedback on the kinds of programs and services you would like to see offered at Café au Play.

Do you accept donations?
Absolutely. Café au Play is a qualifying 501(c)(3) organization, and all contributions are tax deductible.

How did Café au Play get started?
Kristin Heying founded the non-profit Café au Play in 2004 with the goal of opening a hybrid coffeehouse and community center.   Read the complete history here.