Garden Program

Shepherd’s Garden Program involved about twenty-five kids this past summer, all of whom planted, watered, weeded, and enjoyed the benefits of their harvest.

The Garden Program, now with two growing seasons under its belt, is part of our Youth Job Preparedness Program, which not only provides summer jobs for high schoolers, but also provides financial literacy classes, college visits, help with interviewing techniques, resume composition, and even start-up saving accounts.

Since neither Shepherd nor its surrounding neighborhood have much in the way of arable land, the program is dependant on friends and donors in outlying areas. This past summer (2009), one third on an acre was lent for the purpose by Mount Pleasant Christian Church. In 2008, land was provided by Grace Community Church and Indian Creek Christian Church.
 
“By establishing this garden, we are planting more than just seeds,” said Shepherd Executive Director Jay Height. “Our Center serves a community where eight out of ten kids only eat two meals a day when they are in school. We are providing these kids and their families nourishment and hope. As many as 90% of these families live at or below the poverty level. Their access to fresh produce is limited because there is not a full-service grocery store in their area and transportation is difficult.”

Shepherd’s gardens serve the threefold purpose of teaching a good work ethic, feeding these kids’ families, and providing money for college. Participants get minimum wage but that’s only the beginning: The Individual Development Account (IDA) grant program is matching their stipends at a rate of three-to-one provided that the money is used for college. We call that “seed” money.

If you’re interested in helping with the Garden Program, or any aspect of the Youth Job Preparedness Program next summer, please email Colby Grindean, or call him at (317) 375-0203.