the project

Our program’s focus is reclaiming existing vacant lots in underserved neighborhoods, turning them into community gardens, working hand in hand with the local community to promote healthy eating, healing, community engagement, and neighborhood pride.

Our Turnaround Community Gardens will offer Five Primary Pillars as the foundation for a self-sufficient, successful future. Working with our established social services partners, we will organize direct, on-going access to:

1)     Healthy food options and hunger relief

2)     New job skills and employment

3)     Healthcare possibilities with one-on-one guidance

4)     Childhood and adult literacy resources

5)     Art and music Programs

With the funds we raise, we plan to launch our very first Turnaround Community Garden located in West Philadelphia, covering the costs of our project manager/team leader, lumber, mulch, proper soil, liability insurance, transportation of New York City volunteers to the Philadelphia site and treats for the on-site volunteers working in the cold winter months.

Our vacant lot “Transformation Team” will bring folks in the neighborhood together with justice-involved youth who will work alongside the locals.  These young boys and girls will learn specific and certifiable job skills and team work from our leadership team and the locals themselves, as well as the value of being part of a larger family community, all working together to create a better, more secure life.