We’re grateful to the fabulous group that gathered Oct. 5 at Growing Places Indy’s Legacy Center Farm to share stories, relive memories and share visions for what they’re looking to grow and to learn about transitions within the organization.
Those in attendance were asked to share about something that has grown in their life as a result of their involvement with GPI – a seed that has sprouted. It was awesome to witness the web of connections that presented itself through those present – past and current volunteers, apprentices, board members, staff and other program participants spanning more than a decade of GPI past and present.
Responses ranged from literal seeds, like Rebecca Simon sharing about being introduced to new types of vegetables, to metaphorical seeds. Community surfaced as a common theme. Brittany Cheviron-Smith shared about moving to the area without knowing anyone. Many of her friendships that continue today came from the GPI community.
Simon has converted her entire lawn into a garden, from which she feeds many of her neighbors. Living in a diverse, multilingual neighborhood, she doesn’t always share a common spoken language with neighbors, but they can communicate through the garden. “It’s become a way to get to know these neighbors,” she said. “If you plant flowers and vegetables, people will see what you’re doing and catch on and say, ‘Well, that’s beautiful.’”
Danielle Guerin, GPI apprentice in 2014 and now the successful founder of one of Indy’ largest nonprofit farms, Soul Food Project, shared about the variety of things she’s learned at GPI. She said that she has modeled much of the programming at Soul Food Project on the apprenticeship and youth programming she experienced and helped to develop at GPI, working to improve upon it along the way.
Shalise Lee has held many roles at GPI, starting as a Grow Getter in 2021, serving as Community Impact Director, and then continuing as a contractor as she has progressed her career. Shalise reflected on the past and future saying, “I found myself here,” she said. “Literally, I found who adult, mom, working woman Shalise was.” And her kids have discovered the joys of gardening and their interest in sustainability too! “Growing Places transformed my entire existence,” she said. “Growing Places is just a part of my heart. I’m here for however long Growing Places is here and beyond to sing its praises.”
We look forward to hearing from more members of our community on November 9th at our second gathering! Register HERE.
If you can’t attend, please share your stories on Kudo board HERE!
