Kentucky Garden

(From Neighborhood Leader, Summer 2005 issue)

Project Leader: Julie Candela (NLC Class 15)

Project Description
Julie Candela volunteers as the assistant coordinator at the Kentucky Community Garden on Cleveland's Near West Side. Established in 1941, the garden has more than 100 plots maintained by members who pay $10 per plot and commit ten volunteer hours per year. Using organic techniques, the members grow flowers, fruits, and vegetables—and even maintain a few beehives.

The remarkably diverse membership includes African-American, Appalachian, Hispanic, Italian, Romanian, and Vietnamese families, as well as students from Kentucky School and residents of nearby homeless shelters, nursing homes, and residential substance abuse programs. People who have moved away come back from places like Shaker Heights and Bay Village to work in the garden.

According to Candela, the garden is a great equalizer. "When you’re in the garden," she notes, "You can't tell who's rich or who's poor. It's all about who has the best gardening tips."

How the Grant(s) Helped
Spurred by that spirit of inclusiveness, the Kentucky Community Garden sought a Neighborhood Connections grant to build raised garden beds that could be accessed by senior citizens and others in wheelchairs. The grant of $4,325 also paid for a roto-tiller to assist elderly and disabled members.

Advice to NLC Grads
"The grant application process is user friendly. You don't have to be a professional to get one of these grants. You just have to have a clear idea of what you want to do with the money."