Toledo GROWs is a community garden outreach program that supported over 80 community gardens in 2009 by distributing tens of thousands of free seeds, plants, and other resources each year. They employ over 100 youth through programs like CITE, providing stipends while building work experience and life skills. In 2009, they added a youth leadership program and provide after-school and summer activities for various youth centers through a partnership with United Way.

1. Toledo GROWs is the community garden outreach program of Toledo Botanical Garden. Toledo Botanical Garden is a public/private partnership between the Toledo Botanical Garden Board, Inc., and the Metroparks of the Toledo Area in collaboration with the City of Toledo.

2. In 2008 Toledo GROWs supported 65 gardens... In 2009 we helped over 80 community gardens.

3. Tens of thousands of free seeds and plants are distributed each year.

4. In 2009 we employed over 100 youth with the CITE program.

5. Youth earn a stipend, build a work history and learn new skills while serving their communities.

6. Youth connect with mentors… … and serve other youth.

7. In 2009 we added a youth leadership program with a grant from the Toledo Community Foundation.

8. Through United Way we provide after-school and summer camp activities for youth centers and schools. Boys & Girls Club Catholic Club YTC Frederick Douglass Padua Center Start Something Scott High School Firm Foundations and others

9. Over the past two years we built nine chicken coops

10. … and added chickens and other small livestock to four community gardens.

11. Seed Swap Perennial Exchange

12. In the future… Community Greenhouses City Farm Resource Centers

14. (419) 260-4615 cell (419) 536-5563 office [email_address]