As 2009 draws to a close, Seattle Youth Garden Works is at a critical crossroads, with our financial needs more pressing than at any time during our 15 years of operations. While demand for youth services has never been higher, the fundraising environment has never been more challenging. In order to become an independent non-profit, SYGW is leaving the Church Council of Greater Seattle at the end of this year. Without the support of this fiscal sponsor, we must stand on our own financially and will need to raise more than $100,000 in community support in order to continue serving our youth into 2010 and beyond.
We need YOUR help.
Every gift counts. Your meaningful contribution puts SYGW one important step closer to serving the ever- increasing number of youth seeking our programs.
This month, many area businesses are participating in the United Way campaign. If your employer offers you the chance to give through United Way, know that you can designate Seattle Youth Garden Works (a program of the Church Council of Greater Seattle) as your gift receiving organization.
Well, sort of...SYGW was invited to attend a Chicago and Earth, Wind, & Fire concert as part of a benefit organized by World Hunger Year.
Incredible Chicago and EWF fans donated nearly $2,000 and many, many pounds of food to very gracious SYGW volunteers. A fantastic evening!
Thanks to WHY, Chicago, Earth, Wind, & Fire, and our volunteers (which are always the best around!)!
What a magical evening it was! 90 guests attended the Outstanding in the Field benefit dinner for Seattle Youth Garden Works. We enjoyed sharing the marvelous feast prepared by Chef Matt Dillon of The Corson Building. The weather was perfect, and thanks to Urban Farm Manager Colin Anderson and the youth, the garden has never looked better.
Mykel Taylor wrote this piece for the Lewiston Tribune Online.
Commentary: By Mykel Taylor
June 15, 2009
As a long-time resident of rural communities in Montana, Kansas and now eastern Washington, the streets of Seattle seem like a foreign country to me. It is easy for me to get lost and it is hard for me not to stare.
Looking for the latest updates on our market produce inventory? Waiting for opportunites to get involved or support the organization? Follow us on Twitter!
Greetings from the Garden:
Strengthening our foundation. That’s how we classify 2008 – we see big changes in our future (check out “A New Season of Growth” inside), and 2008 was the year we started to build the beds and lay the groundwork for them. Success rates in our garden education program improved in every aspect, from increased housing opportunities to improved job skills. You can read a note from a grateful parent inside to learn more about one life SYGW touched this year!
KOMO news interviews lead gardener, Darvell Maund for this feature. "When 16-year-old Darvell Maund got caught breaking the law, he was headed for juvenile hall. But he was also given another choice - working in the garden...
'Without this program I'd probably be locked up right now,' he says. 'Because before this program I was doing a lot of stupid stuff.' "
To read more or view the footage, please go here.
Summer isn't just a break from school. Many youth also get summer jobs, for work experience or for a paycheck. Nathan Friend profiles the Seattle Youth Garden Works. And several of our VoxPod interns do their job and ask people about their first or current summer job.
Complete podcast available at
http://kuow.org/defaultProgram.asp?ID=13250
