Hi there! Do you find yourself over this way because of the article you read about me on Block Club Chicago? I’m happy you’re here! The We Sow We Grow Project was started in 2016 after my husband and I moved to the FAR South Side of Chicago and noticed the huge lot across the street from our newly built home. We wanted to do something with it, and with the go-ahead from our Alderman, Carrie Austin, we started the community garden.
Well, it’s 2018, and this plot of land is slated to become townhomes and we’re looking to move just across the street. If anyone is up for the job, and stubborn enough to see it through, I am.
I have a passion for agriculture, and have had one for as long as I can remember. When I was younger, we always tried to grow things in our backyard, but weren’t successful enough. Mostly because we didn’t know we weren’t planting in the proper places. After being a City Mom with the Illinois Farm Bureau, the passion was reignited, and I started a small container garden on the back porch I had in East Garfield Park. MANY lessons were learned, and now here we are.
Current Needs for We Sow We Grow
We need a lot. It’s coming to my attention that my husband and I can’t do this alone. We are looking for someone else on a volunteer basis at the moment who can help organize general oversight of the urban farm, and help us organize all of the requests we get for support. We’ll be moving sites soon, and leveling land, and then building raised beds, a chicken coop, and planting. And we’ll be doing it all in between working full time jobs and homeschooling our three youngest children. That oldest one went off to college just in the nick of time!
How to Financially Support
I’m glad you asked! We currently have a GoFundMe campaign running to help us reach the goal necessary to buy the land in Chicago AND protect it from future developers.
We Sow We Grow Project Fundraiser
You see, the South and West sides of Chicago are developer goldmines, and we want to make sure that the folks living IN the community are the ones to reap the benefits of it. No shade against developers, I respect your hustle, I just need these two plots of land. You’re more than welcome to donate though!
You can also visit our Teespring store to purchase We Sow We Grow merchandise – teespring.com/stores/we-sow-we-grow
Stay Connected to We Sow We Grow
On Facebook – We Sow We Grow
On Instagram – We Sow We Grow
Join Our Private Facebook Group – We Sow We Grow Gardening Chat
Homestead Blog Hop 261
Friday 25th of October 2019
[…] if we are able to proceed with our acquisition of the land we want for the official start of the We Sow We Grow Project. It’s the first step in a bit of a process, but we have THE key to move forward, and […]
The 2019 Stellar Awards Were the Perfect Easter Sunday Ending
Monday 22nd of April 2019
[…] encouraging the bold pursuit of goals. We Dream in Black here in Chicago through our work with We Sow We Grow and homeschooling our children. We want to teach EVERYONE how their food goes from seed to plate […]
For All of You Garden Lovers {Flowers & Food} #WeSowWeGrow
Friday 5th of April 2019
[…] We’ve also started our official NFP (not for profit) program the We Sow We Grow Project! We’re 501(c)(3) official and we couldn’t have done it without all of your support and motivation! We are looking forward to fulfilling our mission to bring food education, food sovereignty, and food love to people all across the nation, but we are SO PROUD to be housed on the south side of Chicago and supporting the community right where we live. You can read more about the specifics of the We Sow We Grow Project >HERE< […]
Aimee
Wednesday 6th of March 2019
Bought one of those awesome t-shirts today to support from out here in Oregon!!
Natasha Nicholes
Wednesday 6th of March 2019
Thank you so very much! We appreciate your support!
Tiffany
Wednesday 6th of February 2019
I love the passion you have for agriculture. May god bless you and your family! Thanks for sharing ♥️ ♥️
Love, Tiffany