Our Mission:
At Neighbors Eden Project, we believe strong communities are built through compassion, connection, and service. Our mission is to restore dignity, safety, and beauty to the homes of elderly and disabled neighbors through free, full-service lawn care and yard restoration. Every project is powered by dedicated volunteers and strengthened by our Youth in Action program, where teens grow in responsibility, teamwork, character, and servant leadership. By serving our neighbors, we are developing the next generation of leaders and cultivating a culture of compassion, one yard at a time.Where neighbors are served, youth are developed, and leadership takes root.
Board Members
President
Jake Smith
Jake Smith, a devoted family man and dedicated servant of the community, serves as the President of Neighbors Eden Project. Partner of River Tree Resources, Jake brings a wealth of experience and passion to his role.
With a family of six, Jake understands the importance of fostering a supportive and caring environment, both within his home and throughout the wider community. He is deeply committed to making a positive impact on the lives of others, embodying the values of compassion, integrity, and service.
Driven by his faith and guided by his commitment to the Lord, Jake leads with humility and empathy, striving to create a more inclusive and nurturing community for all. Through his leadership, Neighbors Eden Project continues to flourish, touching the lives of those in need and spreading hope and kindness wherever they go.
Vice President
Steven O’Dell
Steven O'Dell, serves as the Vice President of Neighbors Eden Project. He brings a strong background in the oil and gas industry as an HSE Supervisor at Nine Energy Service since 2017.
Originally from Missouri, Steven relocated to Texas in 2017 to pursue his career. Despite having started college, Steven chose a different path that led him to significant professional success. Steven is passionate about helping others and believes in the principle of "what goes around comes around."
His dedication to the community is reflected in his volunteer work, where he focuses on providing support and care to those in need. In his spare time, Steven enjoys traveling, playing video games with friends, and building lasting friendships.
Secretary
Kate Valenzuela
Kate Valenzuela serves as the Secretary of Neighbors Eden Project, bringing her expertise as a dedicated physical therapist and her unwavering commitment to serving the community. Known for her kindness and compassion, Kate is a true advocate for those in need.
With a background in physical therapy, Kate possesses a deep understanding of the importance of holistic well-being and is passionate about improving the lives of others. Her genuine desire to make a difference shines through in her work with Neighbors Eden Project, where she tirelessly works to create positive change in the community.
As a good-natured and generous individual, Kate exemplifies the values of empathy and service, inspiring those around her to join in the mission of building a more supportive and caring community for all.
Treasurer
Cloe Bretado
Accountant | David H. Arrington Oil & Gas
Cloe’ Izabella Bretado serves as Treasurer of Neighbors Eden Project, where she oversees financial reporting, budgeting, and regulatory compliance to ensure responsible stewardship of the organization’s resources.
An accountant at David H. Arrington Oil & Gas and MBA student at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin, Cloe combines her professional expertise in financial analysis and compliance with a deep commitment to community service.
Cloe’s integrity, precision, and dedication to service strengthen NEP’s mission to provide free lawn care for elderly and disabled residents across Midland.
Technology & Social Media Director
Clarissa Melise Bretado, MBA
Tax Associate | Whitley Penn LLP
Clarissa Melise Bretado serves as the Technology & Social Media Director for Neighbors Eden Project, where she manages the organization’s digital presence, website, and communications. She uses her background in accounting and analytics to bring structure, creativity, and strategy to NEP’s outreach efforts, ensuring every message reflects the heart of the mission.
A tax associate at Whitley Penn LLP in Midland, Clarissa holds a B.A. in Accounting from Texas State University and an MBA in Business Analytics from Lamar University. Her professional experience includes conducting sales tax audits for the Texas State Comptroller and working in public accounting, where she developed a strong foundation in compliance and data-driven decision-making.
Community Relations Director
Mattie Smith, MBA
Accounting Manager | Rivertree Resources, LLC
Founder | Assurance Grant Consulting Services (AGCS)
Mattie Smith is the Accounting Manager at Rivertree Resources, LLC, a privately held land and mineral company with diversified assets and non-operating interests across the Permian Basin and beyond. She brings over two decades of financial and operational experience to her work, managing complex ownership and revenue structures with precision and strategy.
As the Founder of Assurance Grant Consulting Services (AGCS), Mattie helps small and faith-based nonprofits access the funding and tools they need to grow sustainable, mission-driven programs. Her passion for empowering community organizations drives her to bridge the gap between vision and viability.
In her role as Community Relations Coordinator and Co-Founder of the Neighbors Eden Project, Mattie leads outreach, partnerships, and volunteer engagement for the 100% volunteer-led nonprofit that provides free lawn care for elderly and disabled residents across Midland, Texas. Her leadership has helped the organization expand from a family initiative into a regional movement of over 130 volunteers serving more than 67 homes annually.
Mattie also serves as President of the Permian Basin Society of Petroleum Accountants (PASPB), advancing collaboration and education across the oil and gas accounting community.
A proud wife and mother of four, Mattie believes that true impact begins at home, with families and neighbors working together to restore dignity, connection, and hope in their communities.
Commited to accountability.
we are on candid:
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🌱 Dream It
"Take a minute and imagine yourself 30 to 40 years from now..."
Neighbors Eden Project began as a dream rooted in empathy. We imagined what it would feel like to be elderly or disabled—staring at a yard we once cared for, now overgrown, and no longer within reach. This vision ignited a mission: restore dignity through service.
Our dream is simple:
To bless those who feel forgotten.
To lift burdens that feel too heavy.
Creating a community where compassion is more than just a feeling is an action.
We dreamed it. Now we’re doing it.
We’re proud to share our journey through Candid’s Silver Transparency Seal, which recognizes our commitment to transparency and impact.
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🔨 Build It
"Now this isn’t just about a tidy yard. It’s about restoring dignity, lifting spirits, and reminding our neighbors they are not forgotten."
From that dream, we got to work—literally.
We built a nonprofit that brings volunteers together every week to clean up yards, cut down brush, and trim back the weight of life’s limitations. We rely on:
Donated labor from families, students, and local leaders.
Equipment funded by community partners—from commercial mowers to safety gear.
Zero paid staff—every dollar fuels action.
Every blade cut. Every bag hauled. Every smile earned. That’s how we build.
Want to see what we’ve invested in? Check out our equipment list →
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🌻 Grow It
"They grow up knowing the importance of caring for others... and they carry that forward into their own lives."
What started with one yard has grown into a city-wide mission. As we serve, we grow:
Compassion in children who work alongside their parents.
Connection in neighborhoods where isolation once lived.
Stewardship in supporters who see their giving go directly to work.
We are growing more than lawns—we're growing hearts, futures, and impact.
✅ And as a Silver Seal nonprofit on Candid, we’re proud to grow with transparency and accountability.
