Program Overview

Since 2022, the program has served 23 youth from the southside and south suburbs of Chicago.

In 2025, participants supported the facilitation of 8 food distribution channels, 6 volunteer groups, and 3 community events, and served a total of 3,415 community members. 100% of participants identified progress in their job skills, including problem solving, teamwork, adaptability, and decision making.

In their own words, youth participants shared about their experience working at our farms:

“[My] biggest takeaway about the farm [is] there are spaces that exist where the people there genuinely care about each other and … there is a passion behind it. I didn't know there were spaces or jobs where they’d ask how they [could] help me.”

“I [now] have a major appreciation of growing food for people to eat and the access that people have to food.”

“This experience was amazing and [was] really [about] character development. It’s an experience that you never want to end.”

"I was never the type of person to have random plant facts ready to throw out. I know I have a lot of information now."

"[The program showed] me that it's not really about the work that I do that makes me a good person or a good friend or a person of value. But it's really about how I show up. I really want to hold onto that when entering a new job."

2026 Applications Open Now

We are now accepting applications from 18-24 year olds for our Saint James Community Farm. Select the button to access the Position Description and follow the application instructions.

Applications must be submitted by March 31st, 2026. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

In April, we will be accepting applications from 16-19 year olds for our It Takes A Village Community Farm. For south suburban youth, please check back in then for the application process.

Participants support farm operations and practice the tenets of regenerative growing. They also enjoy the fruits of their labor and provide thousands of lbs of food to the community each year.

Throughout the program, participants engage in a variety of workshops that address health and wellness, good money management, and other holistic life skills.