Faces of the Farm ~ Meet the Participants of our 2015 Summer Youth Program!

Last week, Common Good City Farm launched our fourth Summer Youth Program. Through this 6-week paid job program, youth participants engage in hands-on farm work while learning about sustainable agriculture, food security, and developing workforce readiness skills. This year, we are joined by 10 exceptional young people. Some youth came to our program through The Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program, some through the Office on Latino Affairs Summer Youth Employment Program, and some are neighbors of the farm that now have the opportunity to earn a salary while helping their community. For Aaron, grade 10, Common Good City Farm has special meaning: “I live right across the street!” Others, like Terri (grade 12) had no prior exposure to the farm or farming. Terri was skeptical at first since she doesn't like "dirt, sun, or bugs,” she says with a sheepish smile, “but then after the first day everyone had such good vibes. And then we got dirty and I realized, 'Hey, its fun to get dirty! Its actually really fun!'” Some students, chose to work on the farm because they are interested in agriculture, and are excited to expand that knowledge. “I’m looking forward to learning more about plants, and how insects can benefit farms,” James (grade 11) says. And newfound knowledge is part of what makes the SYP program so rewarding for everyone involved. We love to watch our participants learn new things and discover new passions along the way. We are so excited to see what this upcoming season holds! -- One of the most compelling elements of Common Good is the sense of community that is being fostered on the farm. At any given time one can see faces, young and old, from different backgrounds, gathered on the farm to lend a hand, attend a workshop, and engage in a lively conversation. We want to share some of these faces with you. Each week we will take a moment to learn a little bit more about our community members. We hope you will visit us and become one of our Faces of the Farm. Every Friday we will feature a new "face of the farm."