Community Garden
“My time as an intern at the SPY Garden gave me the opportunity to learn something new, get out of the house, and provided me with a sense of community. The staff are encouraging, knowledgeable, supportive, and conscientious. I recommend all youth at SPY to apply to be a garden intern.” - Daniel, SPY Youth
SPY’s on-site Community Garden provides hands-on job training, workshops, and nutrition education in a healing environment. Through SPY’s paid internship program, youth gain work experience in urban agriculture, culinary arts, merchandising, and event coordination while distributing organic produce to our Drop-In Center and housing sites. Interns produce and market garden-based goods, such as herbal teas, turmeric-dyed textiles, and flower bouquets, while co-leading community workshops and public events that promote food equity and neighborhood beautification. The Community Garden allows youth to build confidence, leadership skills, and professional assets that support long-term housing and employment stability.
Yearly…
Social Enterprise
“I learned a lot about the process of growing and cultivating food. I became more comfortable working with large groups, I assisted in several SPY garden events that were a very enjoyable experience. My ideal job would definitely be at another garden with similar goals to SPY, and I would take my new knowledge and interpersonal skills to future employment.” - Tia, SPY Youth
In collaboration with the Healing Arts Program, youth-made art, produce, and products are sold online through the Color of Hope Collective. Through SPY’s Social Enterprise, youth experiencing homelessness gain paid work experience, engage with community members, and practice their entrepreneurial skills.
