Every Saturday, kids showed up ready to work on the corner of 9th and Ring in the 53206 zip code — not because they had to, but because they wanted to be part of something bigger. On average 145 kids showed up EVERY Saturday ready to work.
In 2025, more than 375 youth stepped into the garden and into opportunity.
Youth didn’t just work — they grew.
They planted seeds, cleaned up their neighborhood, and learned what it means to take ownership of a space — and of their future.
Our student leaders stepped up in powerful ways — leading teams, solving problems, organizing workdays, and setting the tone for the entire program.
Over the course of the season:
What were once overlooked spaces became places of beauty, food, and pride.
We paid $40,000 directly to youth, giving many their first paycheck — and the confidence that comes with it.
That money stayed in the neighborhood, supporting families and strengthening the local economy.
In a community considered a food desert, our gardens produced:
Everything grown was rooted in community care.
Beyond the garden, we created moments of joy and connection:
These moments matter — because they remind kids they belong.
The most important growth isn’t always visible.
Confidence.
Leadership.
Responsibility.
Pride.
Because when kids are given responsibility, they rise.
We’re ready to grow even more:
Because of you, this work is possible.
You’re not just supporting a program —
you’re investing in young people, in community, and in what’s possible for 53206.
Thank you for being the WE in We Got This.