Florida

Brevard and Indian River counties have launched Roots to Work, a program that trains young adults with disabilities in plant agriculture. Nine participants learn from hands-on lessons and practical training in the greenhouse and nursery led by UF/IFAS Extension staff and volunteers. This six-week program not only provides experiential learning in agriculture, but offers continued community engagement through plant sales, volunteer opportunities, and job skills. Additionally, they have launched an offshoot of this with partner organizations Angels Bridging Gaps and Promise in Brevard. Twenty participants are learning about gardening and embarking on cultivating produce in their on-site garden beds and hydroponic growing areas.

Submitted by Tara Dorn