Community
Once complete, residents will have the chance to continue working in the gardens and to sell any produce grown at farmers’ markets. Cynthia Wilson, the Jonesboro site’s volunteer coordinator, said they are always looking for opportunities to teach their residents new skills to improve their lives.
“I think it is going to be an awesome opportunity for our residents to learn how to maintain gardens in their own houses and for employment opportunities,” she added. “… The main goal is to provide skills for them to be successful in life.”
The work began after AmeriCorps volunteered services to the Arkansas Department of Human Services Division of Development Disabilities. That meant working to help design, construct and begin planting sustainable garden spaces that will serve the state’s five human development centers by providing agricultural education and outdoor recreation while encouraging healthy eating and lifestyles.
This is the first AmeriCorps team to volunteer with the state division.
Prior to Jonesboro, the AmeriCorps team arrived April 11 to train in Conway and spent two weeks at the human development center in Booneville. They will spend two weeks each at the human development centers in Conway, Warren and Arkadelphia. They leave Arkansas on July 7.
The work marks Cain’s first visit to Arkansas. She said her team is getting to see the state as they travel to various human development centers.
It is her team’s final project before they graduate from AmeriCorps on July 14. Their work has ranged from community gardens to helping low-income individuals with their taxes.
Diane Keith, interim superintendent of the Jonesboro site, is thankful they were able to help. She said their work will make a difference for all residents.
“Eventually, a farmers’ market will be set up near the road to sell,” she said. “It’s going to be great.”