On Saturday, the community gathered to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Growing Grounds Farm and Nursery, an initiative by the Transitions-Mental Health Association. The event was filled with live music, food trucks, plant sales, free ice cream, and family fun for all attendees.
Growing Grounds was California’s first social enterprise in 1984, founded with the goal of combining the therapeutic benefits of gardening and outdoor work with employment opportunities for adults with mental illness. Over the years, the program has evolved from growing lettuce and produce for local restaurants to specializing in drought-tolerant and native plants.
Transitions-Mental Health Association’s Community Engagement Director, Michael Kaplan, expressed pride in the program’s longevity, noting that reaching 40 years is an achievement in any aspect of life. He highlighted the unique nature of Growing Grounds as an employment program that also serves the community through its nursery services.
Since its inception, Growing Grounds has provided employment and training to over 2,000 individuals living with mental illness. The program continues to play a vital role in supporting the mental health community while offering valuable services to the public through its nursery. To learn more about Growing Grounds and its mission, visit their website for further information.
