Summering Down - September 2023 - Issue 2

New Podcast, End of Summer LTE, and Greenhouse Progress

September 16, 2023

The Urban Fresh Podcast

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We launched a podcast! Woohoo!

In Episode 1, we share why we started a podcast and explore why Greg, UFG’s founder, transplanted his family from their roots in New York to a new city where they knew almost no one. Click here to listen to the less-than-5-minute recording: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2244704/13588249

Summering Down

LTE’s bike repair program

The summer semester of Learn to Earn (LTE) is almost over. LTE is our mentorship program where young men participate in paid, learning opportunities several times a week.

Tomatoes hanging from a garden bed.

Here are some of their accomplishments so far:

built garden beds;
helped to install a 30 x 90 high-tunnel greenhouse;
refurbished used bikes;
set up garden irrigation systems;
built a rabbit hutch; and
assisted with the basement cleanout at Walnut Hill Community Church (Waterbury campus).

While they learned the hands-on activities mentioned above, the mentees also acquired job readiness and soft skills in leadership, time management, and taking initiative.

Mentee and Mom

Trey, mentee.

Trey is one of our mentees. His mother, Ebony, signed him up to participate in LTE on a whim.

Trey and Ebony.

Although he’s only been with LTE since the spring, both Trey and Ebony are enjoying the program. Don’t take it from us, listen to them on Episode Two of the podcast in their own words. Click here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2244704/13588297

Covered Greenhouse

Speaking of LTE, work on the big greenhouse continues.