|
Note: Starting this week, we're sending out a separate e-blast with GH Volunteer Opportunities, and keeping this one for GH News & Updates. Usually they'll alternate weeks, but this week look for them about the same time. Happy reading, and we look forward to seeing you out for a visit, a potluck, or to volunteer soon!
February 28th, 2011
|
|
|
Announcing! Announcing!
'Rooting for the Future'
of the Growing Hope Center
|
|
Growing Hope is thrilled to announce the launch of our 'Rooting for the Future' Fund to help move us forward, and finally into, our Growing Hope Center!
In this public, second phase of an overall $1,000,000 campaign, Growing Hope only needs to raise $200,000 to finish site upgrades to gain Certificate of Occupancy, move out of rented office space in Downtown Ypsilanti, and into our landmark - and permanent - urban, educational farm at 922 West Michigan Ave in Ypsilanti.
Growing Hope invites the broader Michigan community to learn more about  how we are currently engaging with the community and
why the Growing Hope Center is vital to creating a vibrant community. More than that, we want to show you the progress we've made, like the geothermal HVAC system, hoophouse cisterns, and green renovations in progress in our future headquarters.
Join us for a one-hour tour on:
- March 3rd (at 4:00pm)
- March 5th (at 1:00pm and 2:00pm)
- March 8th (at 5:00pm)
- March 17th (at 8:30am)
Click here to RSVP for a tour today! Are you ready to talk about making a gift or pledge to the campaign? Please contact Hannah for details of how your cash, stock, corporate, or matching gift can support the campaign.
Note: Because the site & building are under construction, it is not appropriate to bring children to the tours. Please wear weather-appropriate clothing & shoes.
|
|
Farmers' Market Vendor Workshops
Develop & improve Your Business Skills!
|
| | Open to potential and current vendors at the
Downtown Ypsilanti Farmers' Market or other local farmers' markets, as well as community members considering starting their own food-based businesses! Each class is just $5.
Tuesday, March 8th
 Vendor 101 5:30pm-7:00pm (Considering being a Vendor at the DYFM? Join us!) Basics of Starting a Business 7:00pm-8:30pm Tuesday, March 15th *Writing a Business Plan (Pt 1) 11:30am-1:00pm (@ SBTDC) Introduction to Market Gardening 5:30pm-8:30pm Tuesday, March 22nd Business Finances & Accounting 5:30-7:30pm Tuesday, March 29th *Writing a Business Plan (Pt 2) 11:30am-1:00pm (@ SBTDC) Business Legalities 5:30pm-7:30pm 
Saturday, April 9th 9:00am-4:00pm Exact times for each of these workshops on our website Financing Your Business Business Planning Cottage Food Law & Food Safety Web Marketing & Social Media LOCATION All workshops will be held at SPARK East, 215 W. Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti, 48197
HOW TO REGISTER
Log onto our website to register today! Space is limited. Contact Arika at 734-786-8401 or arika@growinghope.net for more information. Workshops are just $5 each!
THANKS to the funders and partners for this exciting series: Michigan Economic Development Corporation, City of Ypsilanti, Michigan Municipal League, MI Small Business Development Technology Center, and MSU-Extension.
|
|
|
Support GH Today!
| |  |
|
Rooting for the Future Campaign Committee
| |
Jessica "Decky" Alexander
Ellen Bunting
Rene Greff
Derrick Jackson
Emily Jenkins
Mary LeDuc
Christopher Michalak
Penny Schreiber
Claudia Scioly
Hannah Ashmore
Amanda Maria Edmonds
|
|
Growing Hope Community Potluck
|
| |
Is building and connecting to community one of your 2011 goals? We'd love to see you at our March Community Potluck at the Ypsilanti Senior/Community Center Thursday, March 3rd from 6-8 pm!
Please bring a dish to pass and RSVP here! Everyone welcome!
|
|
Growing Hope
Board of Directors
| | |
Angela Barbash
Mark Barbieri
Hillary Bisnett
Ellen Bunting
Zeal Chen
Matthew Coffer
Chad Crabtree
Michael Edison
Jessica Hustoles
Mary LeDuc
Jess Martyn
Christopher Michalak
Michelle Shankwiler
Joel Skene
Amanda Maria Edmonds
Executive Director
|
| New E-Blast options now available! |  |
|
|
|
Garden Leadership Training
A few slots left for your group if you act fast!
|
| |
Schools, Community Gardens, Religious congregations, and Faith & Food Gardens - Sign up now for our Garden Leadership Training course!
The 5-class series will give you the tools, resources, and practice to develop or strengthen your group garden effort. Learn start-up basics for organizing, site assessment, garden planning and design, soil testing, and more! Identify resources, networks, and potential partnerships. New this year: break out modules for schools, community gardens, and giving gardens, addressing issues and resources unique to each.
This year's training will happen Monday evenings 6:30-8:30pm March 7, 14, 21, 28, and April 4 at SPARK East - 215 W Michigan Avenue, Ypsilanti. Space is limited - register now! A minimum of 4 people from your group must attend all 5 classes. $35.00 course fee per group for Growing Gardens members or $75.00 for non-members (limited scholarships may be available). For more info contact Wendy at 734-786-8401 or wendy@growinghope.net
|
|
Sincerely,
Amanda- Executive Director, Elissa- Youth & Education Program Manager, Hannah- Development Manager, Arika- Outreach & Volunteerism Manager, Wendy-Community Organizer, Ryan- Administrative Manager, Casey- Volunteer Coordinator, Christina-Youth Program Specialist and YHC VISTA, Eva- Farm Manager, Emily-Farm Manager, Paul- Avalon Housing Affiliate, Shiloh- MSW Intern
|
|
|
|
|
|
