For my work, this has looked like tapping into Philadelphia’s vast network of urban growers. No matter where in the city, it feels that you cannot go more than a couple blocks without seeing a community garden. It is truly a comfort. Greenery, plants, and all forms of life bursting out of street corners and concrete, inviting you in. This has been especially fruitful for my direct service of connecting students with our food system. One of my schools, Potter-Thomas, is a ten-minute walk from Historic Fairhill, a 4.5-acre oasis of calm with hundred-year-old trees and food growing everywhere you look. The green space director, Farmer Tito, is deeply involved in countless community outreach initiatives, including at one of my schools. He maintains the garden at Potter-Thomas with the help of the school’s garden club. This school happened to be one of my sites of direct service, and it has been such an amazing experience working alongside Tito. 

When I was first starting, I was nervous about leading groups on my own, but I quickly realized that I did not need to be. The club meets every Tuesday, and all throughout the week, Tito and I call each other to share thoughts and review our plans. A couple of weeks ago, I shared how the students and I discussed the idea of incorporating their own art into the garden. The next class, he brought in all the necessary materials and even painted on some base layers as a foundation, using his skills as an artist himself. He is now able to help at other schools while I lead the group at Potter-Thomas thanks to our collaboration. At my other school, I lead the students alone, but thanks to what I have learned with Tito, it does not feel that way. 

Part of my direct service work is to plan an end-of-year convening for my youth leadership groups. When thinking of a location, I knew Historic Fairhill would be the perfect site. This will be a day to bring together the students from both of my schools, fellow Food Trust staff, and community partners that are involved with our work. It will be an opportunity for the students to meet each other, present/talk about what we have done throughout the year, discuss their experiences, and do some gardening together. The calm oasis that Historic Fairhill and Tito provide will make for a beautiful day that reflects the importance of community partnerships.