“We are grateful to The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts for supporting this project and for recognizing the connection that employment and eating healthy has on a person’s overall health and quality of life,” commented Kathleen Jordan, Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Seven Hills Foundation. “The Sustainable Farming project and workforce readiness activities that will take place as a result of this grant provide a unique opportunity for the individuals we support to interact with members of their community while learning critical social and job skills that help them prepare for and achieve their employment goals.”
Inclusive community gardening alongside educational workshops will focus on job readiness, garden planning and planting, food systems, and nutrition/healthy cooking and will provide over 250 Participants with an introduction to sustainable farming with advanced training opportunities for those who express an interest in pursuing this field as a career choice. Jay Hayston, Vice President of Seven Hills ASPiRE! is thrilled to work closely with The Health Foundation and project partners to strengthen and expand workforce readiness and employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities: “Along with providing opportunities for competitive employment placements, Seven Hills anticipates this project will provide a bridge for more meaningful engagement in home and community growing, and a desire to volunteer in local community gardens or farmers markets.”