Horizon Goodwill Industries is excited to announce the launch of a new youth gardening initiative through the HGI Adolescent Clubhouse, made possible by a $10,000 grant from the Washington County Health Department.
The grant funded the construction of raised garden beds and the purchase of supplies to teach youth the fundamentals of urban gardening, healthy eating, and sustainable living. The hands-on program will be implemented at the Adolescent Clubhouse located at 200 N Prospect Street and is designed to engage youth in learning how to grow food while developing responsibility, teamwork, and environmental awareness. The project supports broader public health goals around nutrition, mental wellness, and healthy lifestyle habits, aligning with Horizon Goodwill’s ongoing mission to remove barriers and build stronger, more resilient communities.
“A garden is the perfect addition to the Adolescent Clubhouse as we work to foster an environment where youth and young adult participants continue to develop healthy living habits.” Said Brooke Grossman, Chief Mission Officer for Horizon Goodwill Industries. “We are thankful to the Washington County Health Department for the funding to pilot this project and our friends at Harlem Grown for sharing their expertise with us as we being this journey.”
In July, the staff from the Adolescent Clubhouse traveled to Harlem, NY to gain inspiration and knowledge on urban gardening and community development. The founder, Tony Hillery, took the HGI team on a tour of their educational gardens, mobile teaching kitchen and child-care centers. Founded in 2011, Harlem Grown is an independent, non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire youth to lead healthy and ambitious lives through mentorship and hands-on education in urban farming, sustainability, and nutrition.
The Horizon Goodwill Adolescent Clubhouse provides a safe, substance-free environment for youth ages 10-16 offering programs that promote positive decision-making, peer connection, and life skills. The gardening initiative will become part of the Clubhouse’s regular programming.
