Community Center Opens New Community Hub

By Jennifer L. Warren

POUGHKEEPSIE – Sometimes the very thing you are seeking is right under your nose, or in some cases, directly next to your parking lot.

For some time, members of the Salvation Army, Poughkeepsie Community Center have adored gardens as well as been acutely aware of the increasing number of people facing food insecurity. These coupled realities led to their wanting to take action, directly involving community members, in addressing this food crisis. Enter the realization of the use for the gated 3500 square foot, open patch of unused land-cut weekly- right across from their church parking lot.

“It seemed to be the perfect idea to make it a garden,” said Lydia Mills, Envoy for the Salvation Army, about the epiphany moment for the use of the idle strip of nearby property. “We pitched the idea to the Salvation Army for a grant, got the funding, others came along with plants and seeds, and after planning, we got it rolling this summer.”

And catching momentum it has. Fifteen, 3 x 6 feet raised beds, growing such items as; tomatoes and peppers, along with herbs-cilantro and basil- now inhabit that once vacant 19 Pershing Avenue lot, one presently vibrantly blooming. A compost bin as well as plans to grow lettuce in the fall, along with other veggies next year and cooking, composting and gardening classes further round out the exciting offerings.

Twelve families are presently signed up, with 10 actively involved in harvesting and caring for the treasured spot which has quickly evolved into a bonding community hub, laden with not only hands-on food creation, but a host of priceless other gems.

“It’s been a really good, successful launch for gardening with our community,” Mills said about the flourishing spot dubbed, ‘They Grow Together Garden, with the acronym GROW carrying the symbolic-potent words (Gather-bringing together to cultivate food and relationships, Restore-healing body and spirit using nutritious food, Overcome-addressing food insecurity and educating and empowering on growing own food, Witness- sharing God’s love in all interactions.) “We have seen people enjoy getting out, being together, learning about gardening, while working with neighbors collaborating and forming a little group that has bonded.” She continued, “It’s a little family where people are talking, creating, knowing the code needed to enter the garden and all getting and using the tools they need, which has all created a real vibe.”

That tangible, upbeat and contagious energy is one laced with gratitude, hope and empowerment. Having a direct influence on growing their own food, participants are seeing first-hand the potency they can have on changing the narrative of food insecurity, building confidence and hope.

“It has been a wonderful experience to watch people acting as a community as they see things grow from seeds,” said Mills about witnessing the participants’ immersion in their gardening journeys. “People get really excited, and then to be able to take things home makes it even nicer and just empowering to be a part of the process and say, ‘I can make a difference in my family.’”

Now having the once elusive option of having a garden not available in their home setting, members could not be happier-more grateful about the opportunity to have such a proactive and positive impact on both those familial units as well as their communities in general.
“The experience of having a space on the small farm is a wonderful motivation,” said member, Maria Rodriguez. “I appreciate the service of helping, so that we can plant some crops, such as; peppers, chili peppers, tomatoes, broccoli and cauliflower.”

Further pointing out that time is preciously savored with the garden as winter soon approaches, Rodriguez- and others- can be comforted by the availability of more beds through early November, along with the ambitious plans brewing for 2027, including the addition of three more beds.

“We encourage people to reach out to us, stop by and visit (hours of operation are 9am-3pm), or call: (845)-471-1210,” said Mills, adding about the Garden’s direct connection to the Salvation Army’s mission. “We just want to continue to share God’s love in all interactions.”