CMEF receives grant to help fund new garden project

Community Mercantile Education Foundation is pleased to announce the awarding of a $5,000 grant from Douglas County Community Foundation to support a new project – Growing Food, Growing Hope: A Garden Collaboration with DCCCA First Step at Lake View.

CMEF is breaking ground this spring on a new garden on the grounds of DCCCA First Step at Lake View, a residential substance abuse treatment center for women and their children. CMEF will build and maintain the garden, with produce being used in the facility’s kitchen.  Residents will have the opportunity to engage in the garden as a work place, a healing space, a place of learning and skills, and a place for children to dig in the dirt.

The grant from DCCF will allow us to put the infrastructure of the new garden in place including installation of fencing, a permanent and inviting arbor, and seating area for First Step residents to enjoy.