It was almost two years ago today that The Meadows Foundation President/CEO Peter Miller and Bonton Farms CEO Daron Babcock took a walk on an acre of land in the Wilson Historic District. The lot was a grassy lawn surrounded by houses that had become homes for area non-profits, thanks to The Meadows Foundation.
But on that day … July 1, 2021, to be exact … Peter and Daron were doing more than strolling. They were envisioning a unique project that would literally take root on the lot.
To be a total home run, the plan needed a non-profit that was helping people learn skills in hopes of transitioning from a life of hardship to a life of prosperity. Just across the street from the lot was the ideal group — New Friends New Life, which helps women escaping the human-trafficking industry find opportunities to create stable and healthy lives.
The plan seemed so simple, and it made sense. The Meadows Foundation would provide the land; Bonton Farms under the leadership of Farm Manager Kim High would supervise the growing of organic vegetables, fruits and herbs; and NFNL would institute a program where clients could qualify to serve as apprentices (employees) of the garden, gaining valuable on-the-the job experience.
But there was red tape that had to be cut. Peter, Daron and NFNL CEO Bianca Davis persevered with the help of supporters and city officials.
This morning, despite the sweltering heat, a “groundbreaking” for Liberty Street Garden took place with scores of friends including Wendy Messmann, Pat and Pete Schenkel, Dallas County Commissioner Dr. Elba Garcia, Dallas City Councilperson Gay Donnell Willis, former City Councilperson Jennifer Staubach Gates and Rev. Richie Butler, who had a full day’s agenda in his role as Communities Foundation of Texas board chair.
Actually, the ground had been already been broken and was showing signs of life.
As Bianca told the crowd, it was ironic that the garden was on Liberty Street because it was providing a newfound liberty for NFNL’s clients.
Thus, as Peter, Daron, Bianca and Kim officially dug their garden trowels into one of the beds, Liberty Street Garden officially started producing food that would be sold to farmers markets, local restaurants and the community. thanks to creative collaboration and hard work.
* Graphic courtesy of New Friends New Life