Comfort Keepers Ministry is growing and is looking forward to sharing that growth with the community.
“There are two exciting announcements. The first is the launch of ‘Growing Hope’. This new branch of the ministry was sparked after a large donation of seeds from Powell Feed and Milling Co. in Salem,” Lauren Siebert, president of the organization said. “We will be growing plants and providing those who are interested in growing gardens throughout our own and the surrounding communities.”
Siebert explained the new project falls in line with the ministry’s mission to find long term solutions to short term problems.
“Things have come together very quickly and to me, that’s usually when I feel like God’s given us a wink, we’re on the right track. We have secured growing partners. To name a few, Jo Siebert, William Kaelber and Rebecca Gage,” Siebert said.
Siebert noted the idea had been brewing but after discussion and a few public forums, it was apparent it was a project worth taking on.
“Earlier this year, I partnered with William who was holding a beginner’s class for gardening. We taught those attending how to use their SNAP benefits to buy plants. We got soil testing kits from the local extension office, and he taught people how to plant seeds in various ways like container gardening. He taught them how to recycle items around the house to use planters and a lot more,” Siebert said. “There was a lot of excitement in the room, which just reinforced our thoughts that this was needed.”
As the cost of most everything continues to rise, what were tight budgets have become tighter making it more difficult for more nutritious foods to be purchased.
“Gardening is not a new concept, but it is one I think has been let go to the wayside over time. I’d like to see that changed and there are a lot of resources out there to direct you on best practices for growing that are free resources,” Siebert said. “Our hope, is by providing plants that people will take them, and grow food helping defray costs and improving what they eat in the process.”
Later this year, Siebert said there will be a class teaching whoever would like to attend how to can the foods they have grown.
“Willam will teach that class. That is another component to the long-term solution aspect. Gardens won’t typically last all year, but if you know how to preserve food, you can save what you’ve grown for a later time and that is another thing we’re aiming for,” Siebert said.
Siebert stated the second announcement comes after a partnership with the American Indian Center of Arkansas (AICA).
“This organization has a grant program of sorts where they will pay for someone to train for a set number of hours a week. We are excited to welcome Pat Black to our team who has been approved to work with us through the AICA. This will be a benefit to the entire area,” Siebert said. “Pat will serve as our representative. He will train with us, but he will also be helping other non-profits in our area who may be shorthanded or are overloaded and need some reprieve. He will go to the places we have established partnerships with and work with those organizations.”
At this time, Black will train at three area non-profits helping with daily tasks.
“One of the goals of the AICA is for the individual who is training to learn new skills, use skills they already have and to ultimately help grow the non-profit they’re assigned to and after a period of two years, hopefully find gainful employment with that organization,” Siebert said. “Our goal has always been to have the biggest impact with what resources we have available. Bringing Pat on board and partnering with the AICA, will allow us to do exactly that.”
Lauren is a an award-winning journalist who decided after 10 years of newspaper experience to venture out. Hallmark Times was born.
