"On fertile land between Lynden and Bellingham, a nonprofit program is helping military veterans ease back into civilian life while growing healthy vegetables for the community at large.
The second growing season is underway for Growing Veterans, with a focus on building community support and developing long-range plans.
Chris Brown, the program's director, said raising organic produce on the three acres and in two large greenhouses plays to the veterans' strengths - including teamwork and a sense of camaraderie - and gives them a chance to overcome isolation and to support each other while they help the environment.
"Their favorite part of Growing Veterans is that they can feel they're part of something larger than themselves, again," he said.
About 15 veterans are regulars at the farm, which formerly grew produce for Bellingham Food Bank. Many other people donate their labor, and support from foundations, businesses, veterans' organizations and other community groups is crucial as Growing Veterans moves toward its goal of becoming self-supporting with more paying positions for veterans."
(from the Bellingham Herald, June 30, 2014)
2 comments:
A worthy and fertile enterprise, and it's good to hear about it.
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