Growing Home Inc. had an exciting and productive May!

We kicked off the month with our 22nd Annual Gala at Salvage One on May 9th, a night to remember. The event was a monumental success, raising over $206,000 for our workforce development and food access programs. This significant support will be instrumental in transforming lives in Englewood through employment training, fresh organic food, and comprehensive support.

On May 17th, our staff and board members participated in Springfield, Illinois's 2nd Annual Black Farmers and Growers Lobby Day. Alongside over 100 farmers, partners, and advocates, including some as young as four months, we championed agriculture, local food, and equitable legislation. A special thanks to State Representative Sonya Harper for spearheading this impactful day. We stood united with incredible allies like Grow Greater Englewood, Black Oaks Center, Illinois Farm Bureau, and many more, amplifying our voices for a fair and sustainable future in agriculture.



We also launched the Englewood Farm Stand for the 2024 season, now open every Thursday from May to October, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 59th & Honore.

To conclude May, we had a visit from U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, State Director Clarisol Duque, and Regional Director Yasmeen Bankole. They came to learn more about LaFair's Fresh Bites and Growing Home. Laquandra prepared a delicious spread using fresh produce from the farm, featuring our famous gua-kale-mole, apple cheddar salad with homemade lemon ginger dressing, and collard green falafel.

We are grateful for the continued support and look forward to the positive impact these initiatives will bring.

—The Growing Home Team

Employment Training June Events

June 17, 2024

Cohort 3 Begins

There are still few slots available, but act fast the class will fill quickly! Visit growinghomeinc.org/opportunities to learn more about the program. 

To submit an online application, click here or call us at 773-434-7144 EXT. 3 with any questions!

June 21, 2024

Employer Partner Breakfast

We are excited to invite you to Growing Home’s Employer Partner Breakfast on June 21st at Shine Bright Community Center in Chicago! Whether you are a new, current, or reconnecting employer, Growing Home is inviting you to attend our second annual Employer Partner Breakfast. You will enjoy learning more about our Workforce Development Program and the benefits of partnering with us to meet your hiring needs.

June 28, 2024

Cohort 2 Graduation

Congrats to our Cohort 2 participants! The graduation ceremony will be held at Shine Bright Community Center (Discover Center) from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., 8560 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619.

Join us on Thursdays at the Englewood Farm Stand on 59th and Honore. Open every week from 11 AM to 5 PM. We accept Link and double your Link value via Link Match!

We'll also be at two markets on Saturdays every week through the season. Find us at Green City Market in Lincoln Park and Experimental Station's Market on 61st and Dorchester in Hyde Park!

View our 2024 Events Calendar here

JUNE 13, 2024: JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

Join us for our Juneteenth Celebration at Growing Home’s Farm Stand! Local Black-owned shops, delicious produce and free snacks and meals, activities for families, Juneteenth Best Dressed contest and more!

June 13, 2024

Growing Home Farm Stand

1844 W. 59th Street | 11am-2pm

 Get your FREE tickets here

Interested in being a vendor, resource table, sponsor or volunteer group for the event? Reach out to LaQuandra at lfair@growinghomeinc.org.

Growing Home's IT program has developed a special partnership with Google to offer Career Certificate scholarships to our alumni. Be sure to check out this great educational opportunity!

There are over 2.4 million job openings across Certificate fields, and the demand is growing. Earn a credential and stand out to employers with a Google Career Certificate.

To apply for a scholarship, scan the QR code or click here for Scholarship Application.

Please contact Mary Devo at mdevo@growinghomeinc.org for more information.

Calling all Volunteers!

From helping out on the farm to our community events, we need your help! Especially on the farm, it's a great way to help your local nonprofit and pick up some vegetable growing skills yourself. We are now scheduling corporate groups for 2024 as well.

Sign up to Volunteer at Growing Home this year

Supporter Spotlight

Each month we select an organization, foundation, or corporation to highlight in our monthly e-newsletter section, Supporter Spotlight of the Month.

Growing Home is proud to announce that we have received a grant from the BMO Harris Bank in support of our Workforce Development Program! 

Thanks to like minded organizations like BMO Harris Bank, Growing Home continues to be one of Chicago’s leading experts in farm-based training for people with employment barriers. By providing 25 hours per week of paid on-the-job experience and job-readiness training at our farms, plus the support to conquer issues like criminal records, medical needs, child-care, and housing, we have changed the lives of hundreds of workers, and thousands of their family members.

BMO Harris Bank continues to be an important member of our Circle of Change Giving Circle. This community of incredible organizations, foundations and corporations make our work possible. To learn more about the Circle of Change donor community, please go to growinghomeinc.org/circle-change.

Additionally, we are excited to have Joyce Donaly from BMO Harris as a member of our Board of Director! Click here to learn more about BMO Harris impact in the community. 

Thank you BMO Harris Bank!

For 30 years, Growing Home has been a nonprofit leader in urban agriculture & workforce development, serving the Greater Englewood community in Chicago with our innovate paid employment training and local, healthy fresh food. We believe Everyone deserves access to a Good Job and Good Food!

Learn more

Visit us at growinghomeinc.org or email us with any questions at info@growinghomeinc.org

Check out our Summer Newsletter!

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