Creating a World Class farm that will offer training, skills and employment for both men and women returning home from incarceration.
Leader
Melvin Parson
Location
1301 S. Harris Rd Ypsilanti Township, MI 48198
We the People Growers Association (WTPGA) doesn't want to help the individual get better and then put them back into the same soil which made them sick to begin with. WTPGA wants to change the soil, then plant the seeds and watch them grow!
Some of these steps have already begun...we have tilled enough land to create 36 50ft x 3ft vegetable beds from which we have begun to harvest. So far WTPGA has harvested approx 200 lbs. of quality organic kale (3 varieties) along with 2 varieties of Swiss chard and collard greens. The plants are happily growing and include over 500 pepper plants, red storage onions, scallions and several types of culinary herbs. We've developed Farm to Table relationships with several restaurants in the local area.
Our next steps in the development of WTPGA are: 1) Hire one (1) man or woman returning home from incarceration, or having recently returned home (with some interest and or experience in gardening/farming). 2) To have this person assist in the continued buildout of our growing space which will include materials & supplies needed to extend the growing season. 3) Build semi-permanent storage units for both produce and supplies. 4) Marketing & promotional materials. 5) Administrative costs directly related to insurance & travel expenses.
We know that mass incarceration is founded and perpetuated in racist, classist policies that target certain people. Those people are in my community and the harm that is done to them is unjust and of great importance to me. Having a criminal record creates innumerable barriers to gaining employment, securing housing, or simply reintegrating easily back into one's previous life. Changing the Norm would support my fellow neighbors in providing employment for those who have been formerly incarcerated. This would not only create jobs, but will also help to break the stigma between "ex-offenders" and community members, law enforcement and other institutions that interact with the community. The farm would also allow for the community to come together in whatever way they see fit. For example, so far, many many children have stopped by and wanted to help out. I want this farm to be as much of there's as it is mine.
