National Garden Bureau Helps Raise Funds for Growing Solutions Farm

In July 2014, National Garden Bureau (NGB) announced the launch of Growing for Futures #growingforfutures, an annual philanthropic effort to benefit therapeutic gardens across the country.

Since the launch, donations have included cash, seeds, trees, a greenhouse, compost and more that resulted in gifts totaling $43,398 that presented to Growing Solutions Farm in Chicago.

Growing Solutions Farm is a vocational therapeutic garden (a program of the Julie + Michael Tracy Family Foundation/ Urban Autism Solutions) that serves, educates and trains young adults with autism for professional and personal growth.

NGB’s goal was to raise funds to support the farm’s expansion, both in physical space and jobs programming. Plans to enhance the farm include : additional raised beds, drip irrigation systems, a berry patch, fruit trees, native plant border and other projects.

More than 20 young adults are employed at the farm each season. All student who were eligible for a full-time job have secured positions with various companies in Chicago.

Donations of the following products are still being accepted:
-Compost
-Drip irrigation system
-Greenhouse benches
-Mulch
-Native plants
-Organic growing medium
-Permeable pavers
-Plug trays
-Retaining wall bricks

For more information, visit www.ngb.org.