January Progress

While it may be a bit quieter in the garden, behind the scenes our team has been hard at work.

Green Waste Program: Our green waste program continues to thrive. In January, we collected 2,242 gallons of food waste from our community partners, which will be transformed into compost for our growing spaces.

Volunteer Hours: In January, we hosted an impressive total of 65.5 volunteer hours. Volunteers spent their time managing compost and installing the third of our three hoop houses.

Workforce Development Program: Last month, as part of our workforce development initiatives, we successfully hosted 27.5 paid working hours. This program is designed to provide valuable work experience and skill-building opportunities for members of our community. The paid hours not only help support the operations and maintenance of our garden but also empower individuals by offering them hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture and community engagement. Through this initiative, we aim to create a positive impact by fostering a skilled workforce that is well-equipped to contribute to our mission and the broader community.

Upcoming Events: Kimberly, our Soulful Seeds Program Coordinator, is already scheduling group volunteer dates for the season, educational days in the garden, and community supply drives. If you belong to a club, community group, or class that would like to get involved with us this year, please reach out to us at hello@soulfulseedsnevada.org.

Leadership Updates: Our board and Executive Director are busy updating and approving our operating procedures/internal controls, service contracts, staffing plan, and output metrics. This ensures we have the infrastructure in place to host and track our programs as we continue to grow.

Soulful Seeds' Urban Orchard Project Updates

We are excited to share some fantastic updates on Soulful Seeds' Urban Orchard Project, generously funded by the USDA Division of Forestry. We made great progress last year in launching our Same Day Work and Pay and Arborist Apprenticeship Programs. We also exceeded our goal of planting 100 fruiting plants in low-census tract zip codes bringing more green spaces and fresh produce to our community.

We have successfully planted a total of 162 fruiting plants in our growing sites located in neighborhoods with low tree coverage. Across our growing sites, we planted blackberry bushes, apple trees, raspberry bushes, a grapevine, choke cherry trees, and service berry bushes.

These additions will not only enhance the beauty of our community but also provide a variety of delicious, fresh fruits for our community to enjoy. We are committed to sustainable urban agriculture and these new plantings are a significant step towards achieving our goals.

As always, we are grateful for the support and hard work of our volunteers and partners. Without your dedication, none of this would be possible. We look forward to a bountiful harvest and many more exciting developments in the months ahead.

Consider Becoming a Monthly Donor

Monthly giving goes beyond a simple donation—it's about creating meaningful change, all year round.

Benefits of Becoming a Monthly Donor

• Empowerment: Monthly donations empower our garden neighbors and build a more resilient community by funding our programs and projects in neighborhoods with the highest need.
• Support for Self-Sufficiency: Our team helps garden neighbors grow their own food, and we offer programs that equip them with skills to enhance overall well-being.
• Consistent Impact: Every monthly gift, no matter the size, makes a significant impact on our ability to run programs consistently.
• Financial Stability: Monthly donations provide a stable, sustainable source of income that allows us to plan for the future of our community services with confidence.

Hiring: Arborist Apprentice

We are still accepting applications for our next Arborist Apprentice! This is a unique opportunity to join our dedicated team and gain hands-on experience in urban forestry, horticulture, and sustainable land management.

Why Apply?

• Valuable Experience: Our apprenticeship program offers practical training in tree care, planting, pruning, and maintenance, all while learning from experienced professionals in the field.
• Professional Growth: Develop essential skills and knowledge that will prepare you for a successful career in arboriculture and related fields.
• Community Impact: Contribute to enhancing green spaces in our community and promote environmental sustainability.
• Supportive Learning Environment: Work alongside a passionate team that is committed to your growth and development.

How to Apply

If you are enthusiastic about trees, the environment, and making a difference in your community, we encourage you to apply. To submit your application or learn more about the apprenticeship program, find more information here.

Join us in our mission to create a greener, healthier community. Become an Arborist Apprentice with Soulful Seeds today!

Community Support Spotlight:

Perenn

This month, we want to extend a warm "Thank you" to Perenn. Over the last year, we have partnered with Perenn to donate their unsold bread and pastries alongside our produce to Our Place guests. Their support and generosity lend a delicious boost to our efforts. Additionally, Perenn's contributions have made our events even more special, creating memorable experiences for all involved.

We deeply value our partnership with Perenn and appreciate their commitment to building a healthier and more resilient community. Thank you, Perenn, for being an outstanding community partner. We look forward to many more successful collaborations in the future.