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In 2011 Mary Anne Neiner and her husband, Mark, incorporated Planting Possibilities with the vision of building a greenhouse to employ and job train adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. In 2014 they brought that vision to our Campagna Campus. A $25,000 grant from the Lake County Community Fund at Legacy Foundation ensured a greenhouse was purchased, and a hoophouse was donated by Alsip Home and Nursery Center. The horticulture education program started with our kids which also teaches life skills and good employee habits like completing tasks, being a team player, listening, and following instructions. The class meets once a week and each child on campus can participate. Plants are started inside with seeds where they can be safe from the weather. The class cares for and hardens the plants so they can be moved outside. They are growing sweet corn, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, gourds, squash, garlic, lettuce, and beans this year. At harvest, youth enjoy cooking with their bounty in the small kitchen found in the classroom. Fresh vegetables are also donated to the Northwest Indiana food bank which the children take pride in doing. Many of the flowers around campus were planted by the class over the years.
When asked how we can help Planting Possibilities we were told Mr. Mark, who manages the daily operations of the organization, needs an assistant. Someone who could manage the program in his absence and be willing to learn how to one day take over the operation so Mark can retire full time. Currently the program has four volunteers who help with the gardens on our campus. If you would like to learn more about how YOU can help, please call Mark at 1-219-237-9353 or email admin@plantingpossibilities.org.
This program runs all year long on our campus with activities being held inside during inclement weather. It is an important component of our programming as it provides educational and task-oriented activities that are designed to show work is fulfilling and fun. Our children feel important, valued, and helpful when they can share the treasures they’ve grown with others. We are excited to showcase some of their fresh vegetables during campus events later this summer. Visit www.plantingpossibilities.org to read more about what they are growing in the Lake County Community!
Planting Possibilities is a registered 501(c)3 with the mission to provide employment, job skills training, and fulfilling volunteer opportunities for adults with autism and other developmental disabilities in Lake County, Indiana.
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