Happy Holidays from Village Gardens

Dear Village Gardens community,

As I think back on the 2013 season, I am touched by the deep dedication of our community leaders, staff, and each of you who have contributed to the success of Village Gardens this year.This season I stepped away from the program to welcome the birth of my first child, and our dedicated team continued to advance the good work of Village Gardens, while short-staffed for much of the growing season. This incredible team launched a new micro-enterprise project supporting families to begin growing produce to sell for the market, and others to begin prepared food businesses using the Village Market kitchen. Our team began a new community farmers market in New Columbia where these new enterprises showcased their products and sold healthy, culturally relevant foods back to their neighbors.  Garden leaders partnered with the   Portland Fruit Tree project to plant the first ever community orchard on a housing authority property. Our Community Health Worker team engaged in regional health care reform dialogues advocating for their communities and for peer health promotion. Gardens flourished, trees were planted, chickens foraged, youth grew into strong leaders.

2013 also marked the launch of our first annual fundraising dinner to support Village Gardens’ social justice work. With wonderful community support, we raised $33,000 for our programs. This winter we invite you to help us build on that momentum as we wrap up this incredible year. To continue to bring a spirit of hope to communities through food justice work, health promotion and positive neighborhood transformation, we need your help.  Please consider a gift to Village Gardens this holiday season.  At Village Gardens we absolutely know that “it takes a village.” Thank you for being a part of ours.

With deep gratitude,
Amber Baker
Village Gardens Program Director