Growing Hope in the City

A project that began in 2018 to serve the community and provide a good outlet for youth has flourished, literally. Pastor Dan found a plot of land just in the shadow of Ascension St. Joseph hospital. He was able to lease the space for $10 a month, and it would soon grow into a community garden.  

The mission of the garden is to create a community of youth and confident young adults whose hopes, dreams, and aspirations can be a reality through the grace of God. Pastor Dan recruited young people from the community to serve as “interns” for urban farming and drive their passion for service.  

Ascension later became a partner for the program, lending space at Ascension All Saints Family Center. Ascension also provided funding for some projects, including a greenhouse at the health center finished in April. 

The farms provided 1,793 pounds of fresh produce in 2021, roughly double the amount from the previous year, which was given to agencies that help people in the community with food insecurity. In past years, the garden also provided food directly to the cafeteria at St. Joseph hospital. 

Pastor Dan says, “We are excited to make full use of the greenhouse this year. There is dignity to the work. There is empowerment to a paycheck, but there is also something psychological, emotional and even spiritual about working the land.” 

The garden will also be assisting Berea Lutheran Church’s effort “Berea Ben’s Garden of Hope” by providing seedlings. “Berea Ben” is the late Ben Heckert, father of a Milwaukee Lutheran teacher. Ms. Siebarth’s sustainable gardening class at Milwaukee Lutheran visited the garden for a field trip this spring as well. These gardens are blessing our communities in more ways than one. 

Learn more about the garden here.