<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[RVCDF]]></title><description><![CDATA[RVCDF]]></description><link>https://www.rvcdf.org/impact-stories</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 02:22:51 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.rvcdf.org/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[More Than a Meal: The Comfort Zone]]></title><description><![CDATA[Some places feed you. Some places feel like home. The Comfort Zone does both. Tucked in Columbia City, this soul food restaurant isn’t just known for what’s on the plate. It’s known for how it makes people feel. Warm. Welcomed. Taken care of. Founded by a mother-daughter team, The Comfort Zone was built on family, tradition, and recipes passed down with love. Every dish tells a story. From crispy fried chicken to smothered pork chops, collard greens, and cornbread, it’s the kind of food that...]]></description><link>https://www.rvcdf.org/post/more-than-a-meal-the-comfort-zone</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c1deb08f0e652aaa2d0412</guid><category><![CDATA[Client Success Stories]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:52:20 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/9290fc_75ce6fae38264c75bd3395a2fbf32719~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>officeadmin40</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[RVCDF in DC]]></title><description><![CDATA[One thing that happens after Labor Day is that there is a crescendo of activities and momentum building toward the end of the year. At the Fund, some of our experience of that velocity is because of our clients and their entrepreneurship across sectors and across our community. And, as we expand our programs to West Seattle, where Link light rail is imposing challenges upon individuals and businesses, we are busy proving there what we proved together here, with you – that communities that...]]></description><link>https://www.rvcdf.org/post/rvcdf-in-dc</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a333807a0be590c66dc9d8c</guid><category><![CDATA[News]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2025 08:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4aadb7_d07d3c0d9bf1478f91440d95a4fa9360~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_850,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Rainier Valley Community Development Fund</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Gratitude For A Great Year: Fall 2025 Newsletter]]></title><description><![CDATA[As we look back on this year, we’re filled with gratitude—for our community, our partners, and our growing team. Together, we continue to strengthen the ecosystem that supports small businesses and builds economic power across our city. Welcome to Our New Team Members We’re thrilled to welcome two incredible additions to our team: Christine Buckley, Business Operations and Technical Assistance Program Manager (supported by JPMorgan Chase), and Tonieh Thompson, Office Coordinator. Their...]]></description><link>https://www.rvcdf.org/post/gratitude-for-a-great-year-fall-2025-newsletter</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a3337bb73364b8eee6dce7c</guid><category><![CDATA[News]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 06 Nov 2025 08:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4aadb7_cfe5aa8d52524170a1064ce0c327da9e~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Rainier Valley Community Development Fund</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[RVCDF Celebrates Grand Opening of New Office]]></title><description><![CDATA[Thank you for joining us at the Grand Opening of RVCDF’s new office on August 21, 2025! We are grateful to have shared this milestone with so many community members, partners, and supporters. Since our founding in 2000, RVCDF has been committed to serving Rainier Valley and beyond by providing responsible lending to small businesses and residents who have traditionally been left out of the financial system. What began as mitigation work during the arrival of light rail has grown into over...]]></description><link>https://www.rvcdf.org/post/rvcdf-celebrates-grand-opening-of-new-office</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a33371038520286278f643d</guid><category><![CDATA[News]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 28 Aug 2025 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4aadb7_d0f7c36315e44ee6bb37482577df2a19~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Rainier Valley Community Development Fund</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Taste That Brings You Back: Emerald City Fish &#38; Chips]]></title><description><![CDATA[A Rainier Valley staple serving bold, Southern-inspired seafood with a Northwest twist, Emerald City Fish &#38; Chips brings real flavor, tradition, and community to every plate.
]]></description><link>https://www.rvcdf.org/post/a-taste-that-brings-you-back-emerald-city-fish-chips</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c1dd9669ed8cb882abfbdb</guid><category><![CDATA[Client Success Stories]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 25 Aug 2025 05:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/9290fc_94774b93d69d4393ad3179de996896b7~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_960,h_506,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>officeadmin40</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Rainier Valley Community Development Fund Expands Team]]></title><description><![CDATA[Additional capabilities strengthen client services, product development, community connections SEATTLE, WA – The Rainier Valley Community Development Fund (RVCDF, the Fund) has added two new business professionals to its team, increasing operational capacity and strengthening its ability to serve its clients and community. The Fund is a self-sustaining, community-controlled financial institution (CDFI) dedicated to promoting community development, cultural vibrancy and economic opportunity...]]></description><link>https://www.rvcdf.org/post/rainier-valley-community-development-fund-expands-team</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a3336c4ce85b49c3c4eb53f</guid><category><![CDATA[News]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 22 Aug 2025 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4aadb7_a1ca120c769b405caf0a439b2c1ba52b~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Rainier Valley Community Development Fund</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[East Africa to South Seattle: Kebena Ethiopian Restaurant]]></title><description><![CDATA[Kebena Ethiopian Restaurant brings the flavors of East Africa to Seattle’s Rainier Valley. Founded by husband-and-wife team Belete Gulelat and Muna Tadese, the restaurant reflects their deep ties to culture, family, and community. Since opening in 2023, Kebena has welcomed guests with warm hospitality and dishes rooted in family recipes. Chef Muna Tadese leads the kitchen with a focus on traditional techniques and ingredients. Many of her recipes were passed down from her mother, and her...]]></description><link>https://www.rvcdf.org/post/east-africa-to-south-seattle-kebena-ethiopian-restaurant</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a330d71ce85b49c3c4e472c</guid><category><![CDATA[Client Success Stories]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 07 Aug 2025 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4aadb7_b1bd278c1055445f866a7e559d7c6449~mv2.webp/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Rainier Valley Community Development Fund</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[RVCDF’s New Building: Soft Opening]]></title><description><![CDATA[Last Thursday, July 17th, we celebrated the launch of our new, expanded office space at 2802 S McClellan St, Seattle, WA 98144, in the heart of South Seattle. Throughout the afternoon, we had the opportunity to connect with longtime partners, clients, and community members, many of whom offered thoughtful ideas on how this new space can best serve the community. From intimate conversations to big-picture brainstorming, the energy in the room reflected exactly why this space matters. Your...]]></description><link>https://www.rvcdf.org/post/rvcdf-s-new-building-soft-opening</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a33367638520286278f62d3</guid><category><![CDATA[News]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 22 Jul 2025 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4aadb7_273f5cea798947ed8e28541310414ff5~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Rainier Valley Community Development Fund</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Team for Your Hair: Rain City Barbershop]]></title><description><![CDATA[In the heart of West Seattle’s North Admiral neighborhood, Rain City Barbershop is raising the bar for precision, care, and client education in the barbering world. Whether you’re looking for a flawless fade, razor-sharp beard work, or help figuring out how to ask for the style you want, this team has you covered. Rain City Barbershop is the vision of owner and lead barber Percy Anyimah, whose meticulous attention to detail has earned him a reputation as “surgical with the clippers.” In just...]]></description><link>https://www.rvcdf.org/post/a-team-for-your-hair-rain-city-barbershop</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a330d1ece85b49c3c4e466f</guid><category><![CDATA[Client Success Stories]]></category><pubDate>Sat, 12 Jul 2025 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4aadb7_2a14511e53cd4188bafc7af817ca0f22~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_750,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Rainier Valley Community Development Fund</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Family Owned Filipino Food: Chebogz]]></title><description><![CDATA[Operated by Patrixia Paraiso and her family, Chebogz has a simple mission: to bring the bold, authentic flavors of the Philippines to the heart of Seattle while honoring the culture and community that shaped them. Beginning as a food truck in Federal Way, Chebogz has expanded into a full-service restaurant in Beacon Hill as of July 2023 thanks to the support of the local community and the loan provided by Rainier Valley Community Development Fund. The Paraiso family’s journey started long...]]></description><link>https://www.rvcdf.org/post/family-owned-filipino-food-chebogz</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a330c9e9b47a7f91ae7255b</guid><category><![CDATA[Client Success Stories]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 20 May 2025 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4aadb7_79fb901144c3494eafa86e51e47b7604~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_640,h_355,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Rainier Valley Community Development Fund</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Distinguished Foods Commercial Kitchen]]></title><description><![CDATA[Distinguished Foods Commercial Kitchen is a family-owned business that has been a cornerstone of Seattle’s small food manufacturing community for over 25 years. As one of the city’s earliest commercial kitchens, it has served as an incubator for countless food entrepreneurs, many of whom have grown into successful, independent brands in the region’s thriving culinary scene. Originally owned by Samuel Bell and now operated by his son, Claiborne Bell, Distinguished Foods continues to offer more...]]></description><link>https://www.rvcdf.org/post/distinguished-foods-commercial-kitchen</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a330c039b47a7f91ae723fb</guid><category><![CDATA[Client Success Stories]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 13 May 2025 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4aadb7_c5dfb059c91242f294f98a0329dd5fe2~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_640,h_486,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Rainier Valley Community Development Fund</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Rainier Valley Birth &#38; Health Center]]></title><description><![CDATA[Rainier Valley Birth &#38; Health Center (RVBHC) is a powerful model of community-rooted care, born from the vision, grit, and determination of women in Seattle’s Rainier Valley. As the only women of color-led midwifery center in the area, they provide culturally and linguistically relevant care to predominantly BIPOC and low-income families. Operating with a small yet mighty team, RVBHC offers a full range of services including prenatal care, birth support, lactation consultation, family...]]></description><link>https://www.rvcdf.org/post/rainier-valley-birth-health-center</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a330b9538520286278eecd0</guid><category><![CDATA[Client Success Stories]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 07 May 2025 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4aadb7_e31db69797474215bddf8a8fc613ff09~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Rainier Valley Community Development Fund</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Cuts and Color in Columbia City: Pure Alchemy]]></title><description><![CDATA[For two decades, Pure Alchemy Salon has been a trusted name in Columbia City, offering high-quality hair services to the neighborhood. Nestled in a historic landmark home on S Ferdinand St—just across from Columbia City Vet and Rookies—the salon has long been a staple of the local business community. In 2024, Pure Alchemy Salon entered an exciting new chapter under the leadership of Colleen Owsley, an experienced stylist with over 18 years in the hair industry. Taking the reins with a passion...]]></description><link>https://www.rvcdf.org/post/cuts-and-color-in-columbia-city-pure-alchemy</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a330b2b38520286278eebb1</guid><category><![CDATA[Client Success Stories]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 18 Apr 2025 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4aadb7_003b295af43e49a98022013e64bad556~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_600,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Rainier Valley Community Development Fund</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[RVCDF’s 10th Annual Community Impact Event]]></title><description><![CDATA[Thank You For Joining Our 10th Annual Community Impact Event! We want to express our heartfelt thanks to all who joined in support and solidarity for the Rainier Valley Community Development Fund at our celebration last week. We are honored that so many of you chose to take time from your busy lives to spend with us. Thank you again. Most importantly, we want to spotlight the incredible businesses we work with who were the recipients of the Richard McIver Award: Chebogz Distinguished Foods...]]></description><link>https://www.rvcdf.org/post/rvcdf-s-10th-annual-community-impact-event</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a33362b38520286278f622e</guid><category><![CDATA[Community Impact Events]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 11 Apr 2025 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4aadb7_a58cc2a14a0f4fc1911374747562e5e2~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_768,h_560,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Rainier Valley Community Development Fund</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Champ Boxing Gym: Transforming Young Lives]]></title><description><![CDATA[Champ Boxing, a Seattle-based non-profit organization, is making a real difference in the lives of young people. Founded by Kevin Loyal in an abandoned classroom at Rainier Beach High School, Champ Boxing provides free boxing training and mentorship to youth in the community. The program focuses on teaching important life skills such as discipline, integrity, and perseverance. It also provides opportunities for young people to travel and compete in boxing tournaments across the country. Champ...]]></description><link>https://www.rvcdf.org/post/champ-boxing-gym-transforming-young-lives</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a33348cce85b49c3c4eaf77</guid><category><![CDATA[News]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 28 Feb 2025 01:02:37 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4aadb7_7abbd8e600d14fae8c7952156f07878e~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Rainier Valley Community Development Fund</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[RVCDF Recognized in HUD’s CDBG Award]]></title><description><![CDATA[We’re thrilled to share that the Rainier Valley Community Development Fund (RVCDF) was recently honored as part of the City of Seattle’s selection for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s CDBG 50th Anniversary Award early October. The award celebrates the long-standing success of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and recognizes impactful projects across the country. RVCDF was spotlighted for our transformative role in promoting equitable development...]]></description><link>https://www.rvcdf.org/post/rvcdf-recognized-in-hud-s-cdbg-award</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a33344638520286278f5cc3</guid><category><![CDATA[News]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 29 Oct 2024 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4aadb7_c4824c2426b847f49e7bb7512e7c99c4~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_540,h_360,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Rainier Valley Community Development Fund</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[RVCDF Featured on Seattle Here &#38; Now 271]]></title><description><![CDATA[This week, the Rainier Valley Community Development Fund was invited onto Seattle Here &#38; Now. Host John Yasutake dives into the vital work of the Rainier Valley Community Development Fund (RVCDF) and speaks with our Executive Director Bob Luciano and Program Manager Robert Williams. The episode offers listeners an inside look at how this unique, community-controlled financial institution is driving positive change in Seattle’s Rainier Valley. From affordable housing to small business support,...]]></description><link>https://www.rvcdf.org/post/rvcdf-featured-on-seattle-here-now-271</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a33340473364b8eee6dc45e</guid><category><![CDATA[News]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 11 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4aadb7_5482cb5913654cc0bbd4c2c63e545b95~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_900,h_474,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Rainier Valley Community Development Fund</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[RVCDF Featured on KIRO 7: Jesse Jones]]></title><description><![CDATA[We’re honored to be featured in a recent KIRO 7 News segment by Jesse Jones, highlighting how the Rainier Valley Community Development Fund (RVCDF) continues to support small businesses impacted by major infrastructure projects like the light rail. The story centers on Comfort Zone, a popular Rainier Valley restaurant run by Talya Miller. Like many small businesses in the area, Comfort Zone faced financial uncertainty due to the disruption caused by light rail construction. With support from...]]></description><link>https://www.rvcdf.org/post/rvcdf-featured-on-kiro-7-jesse-jones</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a33325dce85b49c3c4ea8db</guid><category><![CDATA[News]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 04 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4aadb7_e147f94a6260441d863c6e0b69cad458~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_900,h_480,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Rainier Valley Community Development Fund</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Valley Cities Behavioral Health Care]]></title><description><![CDATA[Valley Cities Behavioral Health Care is a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through the delivery of holistic, integrated behavior health services that promote hope, recovery and improved quality of life. Since 1965, Valley Cities has responded to the behavioral health needs and emerging socioeconomic challenges of King County residents and diversified its program services accordingly. Starting with just one clinic in Auburn, today Valley Cities serves more than 12,900 people...]]></description><link>https://www.rvcdf.org/post/valley-cities-behavioral-health-care</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a31c8fb21920c994c77e9f5</guid><category><![CDATA[Client Success Stories]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 29 Nov 2017 08:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4aadb7_b45c29eb56f34489b2567c69c498fcb9~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Rainier Valley Community Development Fund</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Music, Food &#38; Seattle's Best Music Venue: The Royal Room]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Royal Room—named “Best Music Venue – 2017” by readers of The Seattle Weekly—is a South Seattle music venue, restaurant and bar with a Southern-inspired menu. Co-owned by musician and composer Wayne Horvitz and longtime Seattle venue owners Tia Matthies and Steve Freeborn, the idea began as a neighborhood venue for casual drinks and food with world-class music that is easily accessible to all. Having previously operated the OK Hotel, a nightclub in Pioneer Square, with Wayne and Steve in...]]></description><link>https://www.rvcdf.org/post/music-food-seattle-s-best-music-venue-the-royal-room</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a31c3af21920c994c77d937</guid><category><![CDATA[Client Success Stories]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 27 Nov 2017 08:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4aadb7_a41af51df4be408ca56f246d3e764635~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_800,h_400,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Rainier Valley Community Development Fund</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>