Community Programs

New Beginnings & Seeds of Harmony Gardens

Our 35,000 square feet of resident-led vegetable gardens and 30 fruit/nut tree orchard are located in the St. Johns Woods, New Columbia and Tamaracks housing communities. The  gardens provide a sustainable and affordable source of healthy, organic fruits and vegetables for over 300 neighborhood residents each year. They alsoprovide a safe place to relax with friends as well as opportunities for civic

engagement and leadership development for volunteers.  In the St. Johns Woods the resident Garden Council supports the day to day operations of the New Beginnings Garden.  The Seeds of Harmony Garden Committee also meets weekly to supportthe garden, plan events, and build relationships between gardeners.

Big Apple and Little Apricot Garden Clubs

Big Apple and Little Apricot Garden Clubs are educational after-school and summer programs that engage children ages 6-13 in growing and cooking organic vegetables and fruit.  The programs at each site are led by skilled community staff members, who are themselves, parents, siblings, and grandparents of neighborhood children.  Participants are physically active while  practicing academic skills and learning life skills.

Community Health Workers

Community Health Workers are community residents who are trained by the Multnomah County Health Department’s Community Capacitation Center in a wide variety of  skills needed to assist neighbors with optimizing health and accessing  appropriate health services.

The Livestock Committee

In order to provide affordable,  locally produced organic protein to the community while building economic opportunities, a committee of adult community members are raising twenty laying hens in St. Johns Woods apartment complex. Committee members take home one dozen eggs a week in exchange for tending to the chickens.