Outdoor Garden Plots Available

     First there were 6, then there were 14, and now there are 25.  For our third summer, we have redesigned our garden space to accommodate 25 garden plots,  4' x 25' (100 sq.'), to allow more people to have gardens.  The plots will be available May 15 for $15 and water is available.  Soil amendments will be available on site for purchase. Prior to the growing season, our Horticulturist, Bill Soper will hold a meeting to go over all aspects of having a garden.   

See below for contact information. 

Sewing Classes Ongoing.

For information: Click Here 

     Volunteers are the life blood of Grow Benzie.  Without them we would cease to exist.  From sheer physical work that so many have given, to others broadcasting our message and bringing more people to help, we are inspired and grateful.

     One such volunteer program that has been such a huge gift to us in starting our greenhouse is YouthBuild.  YouthBuild is a nationally affiliated program that has been a proven success model for over twenty years.  It helps give young people both the academic, social, leadership and vocational skills that they need to become successful, productive members of their communities.  The community in turn benefits from having help with the projects that need it most.

      At Grow Benzie a team from YouthBuild averaging 7-8 members plus an adult supervisor have been coming once and sometimes twice a week since February helping in the greenhouse- first removing cement paths, digging out and removing old soil, making compost and prepping the beds, making soil blocks and finally planting tomatoes. They have also done construction work in the house, hanging drywall and painting walls.

     YouthBuild, from Manistee, is a program that assists youth who have dropped out of high school, ages 16-24, to obtain their high school diploma or GED.  They are also trained in construction trades and then get hands-on training building affordable housing for low-income individuals in their communities. Additionally, the youth have the potential to earn a credential from the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) a nationally recognized organization that will increase their employability not only in Michigan, but across the United States.  They also participate in Civic Service, giving back to their communities.

     YouthBuild  is a program that operates through a Department of Labor grant, funded through the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments, Michigan Works Northwest, and TBA-ISD.  We have been so fortunate to have them at Grow Benzie, as their participation has hastened the completion of the greenhouse just in time for spring.