Grace Grows is a non-profit organization that collaborates with GRACE Marketplace. Although we are completely separate financial and administrative entities, we share facilities on the GRACE Marketplace campus.
Programs Overview
Community Development
Guest gardeners and volunteers grow fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs to be prepared in the GRACE Marketplace Café 131 where individuals experiencing homelessness may come to enjoy nutritious food produced with tender love and care. The organization also does community development work with leaders and stakeholders in East Gainesville to address food accesiblity.
Therapeutic Horticulture
Our community garden located on the GRACE Marketplace campus provides a space for individuals to connect with nature, practice self-care, and find relief from the day-to-day stress of homelessness. For individuals that have experienced trauma, spending time in the garden promotes mental and physical health.
Education
In partnership with the University of Florida Doctor of Plant Medicine Program, we conduct a horticulture empowerment program for individuals to learn about horticulture and be supported to pursue thier individual goals. Participants of the program have the opportunity to become Certified Horticulture Professionals after completing the course.
Get Involved
Are you looking for a way to become more involved in the community? Grace Grows offers opportunities to engage in a meaningful way with individuals experiencing homelessness and spend time gardening with other dedicated volunteers.
Volunteering
We welcome all to join us on Saturdays from 9:30 AM to 1 PM for our weekly community volunteering days in the Grace Grows Garden. No prior gardening experiencing is necessary to be a valuable member of our volunteer team. Feel free to give us a call before you come out so that we may answer any additional questions.
Please make sure to bring your own water, snacks, and sun protection!
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Groups are welcome on an as needed basis! Please contact us in advance to schedule a group volunteer day in the garden.
We also have volunteer internship opportunities.
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The garden is located on the GRACE Marketplace campus behind Café 131. Enter the campus through the front gates, then drive all the way down the driveway until you reach the garden. We recommend parking in the lot provided behind Cafe 131.
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We hope to see you soon!
Donating
Would you like to help support Grace Grows? Please consider making a monetary donation today. Your donation allows us to continue growing our program to empower individuals who are experiencing homelessness.
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When you remember Grace Grows in your will, your legacy lives on in the garden and the programs that help end homelessness. Contact us today on how to make a bequest.
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We also gladly accept in-kind donations for the garden or vocational program. Please contact us for more information about how to make an in-kind donation.
Let us know how you’d like to show your support!