How We Started
Growing Places Farm & Energy Park (GPFEP) was inspired by the confirmed necessity for an innovative mentoring program that would address the needs of high school teens in Lewis County. Research and reports indicated that youth in Lewis County were experiencing low on-time high school graduation rates, poor economic conditions and a growing tendency toward juvenile problem behaviors.
In 2006, the Lewis County Mentoring Project (LCMP), a coalition of representatives from public, private, nonprofit and student sectors, formed to look for a solution. Early in its first year, LCMP brought together United Way of Lewis County, Centralia School District and Big Brothers Big Sisters to launch the only one-to-one school-based mentoring in the county. This partnership won a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education that will support the first three years of a project that matches responsible high school students and adults with students in grades 4 – 8.
Next, LCMP looked for a program that could meet the needs of at-risk youth in high school. After numerous visits and conversations with GRuB (Garden Raised Bounty) in Olympia, it was determined that this model would be a good fit for the community and that GRuB staff would help mentor the start up of Growing Places Farm. The addition of the Energy Park will bring a distinctive feature that will set the Lewis County program apart and boost its sustainability.
Another grant opportunity presented itself and a new partnership rose to the occasion. Lewis County Juvenile Court took the lead to apply for funding from the U.S. Office of Juvenile Justice. The application was successful and received its full request of $459,000 for partial program staffing and start-up.
On October 1, 2008, Growing Places Farm & Energy Park became a reality. This is the beginning of unlimited possibilities that will nurture area youth and strengthen the community. It is as though the seeds have just been planted.
The Program
The program is based on a community-driven mentoring strategy that will operate on several levels and evolve through a phased-in approach. At the center of the program, is a belief that hands-on work produces not only products but core competencies of self-care and development, responsible land stewardship and meaningful relationships. Farming, environmental awareness and mentoring tie the program’s activities together.
Growing Places Farm & Energy Park (GPFEP), on the northeast (?) edge of Centralia, is situated on a 14-acre parcel owned by Reliable Enterprises. The property adjoins the Lewis County Food Bank warehouse.
Thanks to the youth crew and supervisor from Lewis County Juvenile Court, nearly two acres of the land have been retrieved over the summer from waist-high weeds and blackberry bushes. It is ready to be farmed.
GPFEP is partnering with Centralia High School and Lewis County Juvenile Court to identify and refer youth ages 13 – 17 who are at risk due to low-income, likelihood of dropping out of school and challenging home situations. While working on the farm, youth will learn skills that will not only bring food home with them, but will instill solid work ethics, social competencies and leadership skills.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Washington will provide a one-to-one mentoring component. Littles (youth) and their Bigs (mentors) will have the opportunity for outings and involvement at the farm. Juvenile Court will provide a supervisor and mentor work crews as they perform their community service. GRuB will serve as the farm’s consultant during the early years to offer counsel and support.
Future stages of the program will offer a Backyard Bounty program. Youth will construct raised bed gardens at the homes of low-income, disabled or elderly residents so that these individuals can grow their own food.
There will be opportunities for community residents to come to the farm for harvest festivals and school field trips. The Energy Park will complement the farming activities and demonstrate leading-edge environmental practices.
GPFEP is now raising funds so that it can add direct service staff and construct a barn and learning centers at the site.
