Cold winter weather is in full swing, but the outcomes of last summer’s community garden project, reported in the video below have us looking forward to another season of planting & harvesting to grow the impact of the garden! The video was produced by the Wellmark Foundation, who supported the project with a grant of more than $14,000.

Objectives of the project, which was designed for the residents of the Catherine McAuley Center’s Transitional Housing Program, included increasing the availability of fresh produce for residents, increasing residents’ knowledge and skills in using fresh fruits and vegetables in food preparation, and increasing residents’ community involvement and connection to resources through the community partnerships formed for the project. All objectives were met, as more than 800 pounds of produce were harvested throughout the growing season, which was then used in weekly cooking classes for the residents. Community volunteers participated in each stage of the project alongside the residents, from the construction of the raised beds, to garden club meetings, to cooking classes.

Residents have expressed the impact the project has had on their daily habits and have already put their new cooking skills tor practice, “I’ve been lucky to live somewhere with all the fresh produce. It’s made me want to cook differently and to think differently.” As another resident stated, “I didn’t know that I liked pesto so much. After learning how to make it in cooking group, I make it all the time with the basil from the garden.”

CMC plans to continue leading the garden effort in 2016 and hopes to make even more improvements in the coming year, including adding flower beds to attract beneficial insects and deter harmful pests. Adding flowering plants would also enhance the aesthetics of the space and could help to make it an inviting environment for meditation and one-on-one or group therapy sessions.

CMC thanks Wellmark and our many other community partners for the impact they’ve had on residents through sharing their time, skills, knowledge, and resources. For the residents who explain that “I haven’t had experiences like this before and I’m 40 years old,” you are fulfilling the Catherine McAuley Center mission of offering hope and opportunity!