Liberty Street Garden
The Meadows Foundation, New Friends New Life (NFNL), and Bonton Farms joined together to break ground on Liberty Street Garden (LSG), a unique social enterprise project. LSG grows organic fruits, vegetables, and herbs for sale to local restaurants and the community through the First Friday Farmers Market. LSG hires members enrolled in NFNL’s Women’s Program, providing trauma-informed work experience and a source of income to help survivors of trafficking and exploitation build their resumes as they rebuild their lives.
“Working in the garden has allowed me to heal. Being connected to nature has been really helpful to my mental health.”
-Mary, 37
LEarning Academy
NFNL launched its Learning Academy this year! This new initiative creates a space for members to acquire their GED and accomplish other educational goals onsite in a trauma-informed learning experience. We have already seen two members pass all four sections of the test, achieving their GED! The Learning Academy not only removes barriers perpetuating cycles of poverty and lack of opportunity affecting survivors, but also helps women obtain gainful employment through education.
