Few stories capture our hearts more than non-profit organizations working together to support their community. This summer, I got to witness this first hand as Prescott Group, Kind Krafts, and the Prescott Street Community Garden Society worked together to make the Prescott garden project a reality.
Prescott Group is a non-profit organization in Halifax’s North End that supports over 160 adults with intellectual challenges (clients) through the development of work and life skills. They also manage four social enterprises: Prescott Bakery, Prescott Custom Bags, Prescott Mailing Services, and Prescott Online Auction.
Towards the end of the summer, Kind Krafts, a non-profit organization that helps other non-profits by fundraising to support special initiatives, partnered with Prescott Group to promote one of Prescott’s seasonal projects – a summer garden in conjunction with the Prescott Street Community Garden Society. In addition to raising money to support the project, Kind Krafts also sent a team to teach clients how to make seed bombs.
The idea was born last winter when a Prescott Group employee jumped on the opportunity to become a part of the Prescott Street Community Garden Society. “I liked the idea of gardening because it was accessible to everyone,” they said. “We started from seeds, so even those who couldn’t work outside were able to take part.”
The garden project also served as a great way to kickstart a discussion on healthy eating. “I wanted to show the clients where food comes from and how it’s grown. They were more willing to eat fruits and vegetables if they grew them themselves.”
In addition to Prescott-run gardening sessions, various North End community members also volunteered to teach the clients new skills. “It reflects our values of community engagement,” said a Prescott Group employee, recalling sessions where other gardeners stepped in to demonstrate how potatoes, carrots and tomatoes are grown.
This year’s harvest included over 14 different varieties of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. “I learned about tomatoes, chives, potatoes, and cabbage,” said a client from Prescott Bakery.
Not only is it a fun activity, but gardening has furthered the discussion around healthy eating – especially in Prescott Bakery. After harvesting an abundance of beans, beets, and zucchini, Prescott Bakery has been able to incorporate these vegetables into their products.
“I grated zucchini to make muffins and loaves,” said a client who works in Prescott Bakery, adding “I like using garden stuff in the bakery.”
The bakery has been pickling vegetables, like beets and beans, for Prescott’s 18th Annual Christmas Tea and Sale coming up on Nov. 16, 2019.
Overall, Prescott Group’s gardening project was a great success, thanks to the fundraising efforts of Kind Krafts and support from the Prescott Street Community Garden Society. It goes without saying that the enthusiasm for the project – from Prescott Group’s clients and staff alike – will carry forward into next season with a new variety of fruits and vegetables to grow.
