Fiscal Note
Funds are included in the 2014 Adopted Public Health Operating Budget. There is no anticipated impact on the tax levy.
Title
Authorizing a contract with Forward Community Investments to develop Gardens for Empowerment
Body
Preamble:
The 2014 Public Health Operating Budget set aside $65,000 for the development of a community-based initiative called Gardens for Empowerment (G4E) using a social innovation model. G4E is founded on the evidence that where people live, work and play has a significant impact on health status. The central components are related to youth and community development with a focus on urban greening. Outcomes are employment readiness among at-risk youth while setting the stage to increase residents’ capacity to grow healthier, more resilient neighborhoods. Over the long-term, residents’ capacity to actively participate in economic development initiatives will also increase.
G4E currently uses gardening for youth development in two Madison neighborhoods with some early successes. Over the past three years over 35 youth ages 14-16 have completed the “Clean and Freshies” (Meadowood) or “Green Team” (Brentwood) employment program as part of the Gardens for Empowerment initiative Nearly 200 neighborhood residents have volunteered in Madison’s Meadowood and Brentwood neighborhoods, where residents serve as urban agriculture coordinators. Working together the front yards of multi-unit apartment buildings in these neighborhoods have been transformed into vibrant, edible gardens.
Through a partnership with Forward Community Investments, a Community Development Financial Institution, the initiative will offer technical assistance in financial and operational management to participating nonprofits while establishing a sustainable financing model that can leverage private dollars. In the process, no new organizations are created; instead, the initiative leverages existing community assets. In conversations with several agencies and For...
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