Springfield Community Gardens

This Project Will Assist in Creating Job and Career Opportunities in Agriculture for Veterans in Greene and Webster Counties in Missouri. There Is a Pressing Need in Greene and Webster Counties to Connect Underrepresented and Underserved Farmers With Agricultural Career Support. Springfield Community Gardens (SCG), Along With a Diverse Network of Project Partners (missouri State University, the University of Missouri Extension, Wellness for Warriors, and American Legion Post 125) Will Assist 50 Veterans Emphasizing Outreach to Those Who Have Been Subject to Racial, Ethnic, or Gender Prejudice Because of Their Identity as Members of a Group, Without Regard to Their Individual Qualities. SCG Will Provide Military Veterans and Transitioning Military Service Members in Greene and Webster Counties With Agricultural Employment, Training, and Entrepreneurship With Emphasis on Those Residing or Returning to Rural Communities Through a Combination of Educational Training Sessions, Hands on Education, and Intensive Mentoring Over the Course of 3 Years. the Project Is Based Upon the SCG Farmer Assistant and Farmer Apprentice Model That Has Shown Significant Success Among Local Diverse Populations. the Project Will Increase Transitioning Service Member and Veteran Awareness of the Opportunities Available to Them in Agricultural Employment, Education, and Entrepreneurship; Increase Their Understanding How They Can Contribute and Benefit From the Food and Agricultural Sectors and Contribute to Communities in Rural America; Connect Participants to Usda Services and Resources; and Ultimately Contribute to Rural Economic Opportunity.in Addition to Collecting Information on the Activities Provided by the Project, SCG Will Collect Data on the Benefits of the Educational Sessions and Knowledge Gained, the Impact of Mentoring on Skill Building, and Track Participant Progress With Coaching and Resources Provided by SCG Staff.