To kick off Garden Week, the Community Revitalization Collective will host a gardening forum on Saturday, April 20, at Wesley United Methodist Church. This forum will be a chance for everyone to come together, share ideas, and make plans to ensure Garden Week is a success.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Garden Week to Nurture Community Bonding and Green Living in Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls, SD – March 25, 2024 – Sioux Falls’ Food Security & Healthy Eating Strategy Team is excited to announce Garden Week, a grassroots initiative taking place from May 20 to May 24. The aim is to bring people together to create gardens in different neighborhoods across the city, promoting a deeper connections with our neighborhoods.

Growing Together, Growing Green

Garden Week invites everyone to join hands and work towards a greener, more sustainable future. With the help of volunteers, land partners, and community organizations, Garden Week aims to turn neighborhoods into vibrant green spaces where people can come together to grow food and strengthen community bonds.

A Week of Growth and Celebration

Each day of Garden Week will focus on a different neighborhood, with morning and afternoon shifts available for those who want to participate. Together, we'll plant seeds, tend to gardens, and build stronger connections with each other and the Earth. 

Celebrating with Food, Music, and Learning

In the evenings, Garden Week will come alive with food, music, and seminars led by local agricultural experts. It's a chance to celebrate our achievements, enjoy good food, and learn from each other about sustainable gardening practices.

Join the Movement

Individuals, businesses, and organizations who share a love for community are invited to join Garden Week. Whether you're a volunteer, a land partner, or part of a community organization, there's a place for you in this movement.

This week-long event is a project of the Food Security & Healthy Eating Strategy Team, a community-wide group facilitated by Sioux Falls Thrive, to create equitable and sustainable access to nutritious food in each neighborhood in a dignified and culturally appropriate manner. 

Get Involved Today

To kick off Garden Week, the Community Revitalization Collective will host a gardening forum on Saturday, April 20, at Wesley United Methodist Church. This forum will be a chance for everyone to come together, share ideas, and make plans to ensure Garden Week is a success.

For more information or to sign up to participate, visit www.siouxfallsgardens.org.

Quality of Life Forum: Health

Date: Saturday, March 23rd

Time: 10:00 AM

Location: Wesley United Church, 1700 E 6th Street, Sioux Falls, SD

Join us for the Quality of Life Forum: Health on January 13th at 10:00 AM at Wesley United Church. This forum, centered around the Quality of Life Framework by Habitat for Humanity, utilizes the Future Forums model, allowing the agenda to unfold dynamically throughout the day.

Event Highlights:

• Lunch & Refreshments: Enjoy a meal along with coffee and breakfast treats to keep you energized throughout the day.

• Family Friendly: This is a family-friendly event with engaging activities for kids, creating an inclusive environment for all.

• Dynamic Agenda: The Future Forums model ensures that the agenda is shaped in real-time, fostering spontaneous discussions and collaborative problem-solving.

• Community Focus: Open to everyone, we extend a special invitation to Whittier Residents, health professionals, public officials, and anyone interested in contributing to the vitality of Whittier and beyond.

• All Voices Heard: This forum is a platform where every voice matters. Join us to share your insights, ideas, and concerns, contributing to the collective effort to enhance the quality of life in our community.

Save the Date: Make a mark on January 13th at 10:00 AM and be part of this impactful event at Wesley United Church. Your presence will make a difference!

Let's come together, build connections, and work towards a healthier, more vibrant Whittier. See you at the Quality of Life Forum: Health!

Date: Saturday, February 24th

Time: 10:00 AM

Location: Wesley United Church, 1700 E 6th Street, Sioux Falls, SD

Join us for The Quality of Life Forums: Safety on Saturday, February 24th, at 10:00 AM at Wesley United Church. This forum, aligned with the Quality of Life Framework by Habitat for Humanity, adopts the Future Forums model, allowing the agenda to dynamically unfold throughout the day.

Event Highlights:

- Lunch & Refreshments: Enjoy a meal accompanied by coffee and breakfast treats to keep you energized throughout the day.

- Family Friendly: This is a family-friendly event with engaging activities for kids, fostering an inclusive environment for all.

- Dynamic Agenda: The Future Forums model ensures that the agenda is shaped in real-time, encouraging spontaneous discussions and collaborative problem-solving.

- Community Focus: Open to everyone, we extend a special invitation to residents, business leaders, educators, public officials, and anyone passionate about ensuring the safety of the Whittier Neighborhood and contributing to a secure environment for all.

- All Voices Heard: This forum is a platform where every voice matters. Join us to share your insights, ideas, and concerns, contributing to the collective effort to enhance safety in our community.

Save the Date: Mark your calendar for Saturday, February 24th, at 10:00 AM, and be part of this impactful event at Wesley United Church. Your presence will make a difference!

Let's unite, forge connections, and strive towards a safer environment for the Whittier Neighborhood. See you at The Quality of Life Forums: Safety!

Date: Saturday, February 10th

Time: 10:00 AM

Location: Wesley United Church, 1700 E 6th Street, Sioux Falls, SD

Join us for The Quality of Life Forums: Economic Opportunities on Saturday, February 10th, at 10:00 AM at Wesley United Church. This forum, aligned with the Quality of Life Framework by Habitat for Humanity, utilizes the Future Forums model, allowing the agenda to unfold dynamically throughout the day.

Event Highlights:

- Lunch & Refreshments: Delight in a meal accompanied by coffee and breakfast treats to keep you fueled throughout the day.

- Family Friendly: This is a family-friendly event with engaging activities for kids, fostering an inclusive environment for all.

- Dynamic Agenda: The Future Forums model ensures that the agenda is shaped in real-time, encouraging spontaneous discussions and collaborative problem-solving.

- Community Focus: Open to everyone, we extend a special invitation to residents, business leaders, educators, public officials, and anyone passionate about contributing to economic opportunities in the community and beyond.

- All Voices Heard: This forum is a platform where every voice matters. Join us to share your insights, ideas, and concerns, contributing to the collective effort to enhance economic opportunities in our community.

Save the Date: Mark your calendar for Saturday, February 10th, at 10:00 AM, and be part of this impactful event at Wesley United Church. Your presence will make a difference!

Let's unite, forge connections, and strive towards a more prosperous economic landscape for the community. See you at The Quality of Life Forums: Economic Opportunities!

Location: Wesley United Church, 1700 E 6th Street, Sioux Falls, SD

Join us for the Quality of Life Forum: Education on January 27th at 10:00 AM at Wesley United Church. This forum, centered around the Quality of Life Framework by Habitat for Humanity, utilizes the Future Forums model, allowing the agenda to unfold dynamically throughout the day.

Event Highlights:

- Lunch & Refreshments: Enjoy a meal along with coffee and breakfast treats to keep you energized throughout the day.

- Family Friendly: This is a family-friendly event with engaging activities for kids, creating an inclusive environment for all.

- Dynamic Agenda: The Future Forums model ensures that the agenda is shaped in real-time, fostering spontaneous discussions and collaborative problem-solving.

- Community Focus: Open to everyone, we extend a special invitation to Whittier Residents, educators, parents, public officials, and anyone interested in contributing to the quality of education in Whittier and beyond.

- All Voices Heard: This forum is a platform where every voice matters. Join us to share your insights, ideas, and concerns, contributing to the collective effort to enhance the quality of education in our community.

Save the Date: Make a mark on January 27th at 10:00 AM and be part of this impactful event at Wesley United Church. Your presence will make a difference!

Let's come together, build connections, and work towards a more enriching educational experience for the community. See you at the Quality of Life Forum: Education!

Quality of Life Forum: Health

Date: January 13th

Time: 10:00 AM

Location: Wesley United Church, 1700 E 6th Street, Sioux Falls, SD

Join us for the Quality of Life Forum: Health on January 13th at 10:00 AM at Wesley United Church. This forum, centered around the Quality of Life Framework by Habitat for Humanity, utilizes the Future Forums model, allowing the agenda to unfold dynamically throughout the day.

Event Highlights:

• Lunch & Refreshments: Enjoy a meal along with coffee and breakfast treats to keep you energized throughout the day.

• Family Friendly: This is a family-friendly event with engaging activities for kids, creating an inclusive environment for all.

• Dynamic Agenda: The Future Forums model ensures that the agenda is shaped in real-time, fostering spontaneous discussions and collaborative problem-solving.

• Community Focus: Open to everyone, we extend a special invitation to Whittier Residents, health professionals, public officials, and anyone interested in contributing to the vitality of Whittier and beyond.

• All Voices Heard: This forum is a platform where every voice matters. Join us to share your insights, ideas, and concerns, contributing to the collective effort to enhance the quality of life in our community.

Save the Date: Make a mark on January 13th at 10:00 AM and be part of this impactful event at Wesley United Church. Your presence will make a difference!

Let's come together, build connections, and work towards a healthier, more vibrant Whittier. See you at the Quality of Life Forum: Health!

The "Empowerment Through Nourishment - The Preservation Kitchen Project" seeks to establish a preservation kitchen on the main floor of a houseless shelter. This multifaceted initiative aims to provide job training, home economics education, and large-scale local produce preparation to be utilized by area service organizations, thus creating a self-sustaining cycle of support and empowerment.

Project Objectives:

• Job Training: The preservation kitchen will offer comprehensive job training programs tailored to the shelter residents. Participants will acquire culinary skills, food safety knowledge, and preservation techniques, enabling them to seek employment in the food industry and break free from the cycle of homelessness.

• Home Economics Education: By incorporating home economics education into the project, residents will gain practical knowledge in meal planning, budgeting, nutrition, and cooking. This will empower them with essential life skills to transition into stable housing situations.

• Mass Local Produce Prep: The preservation kitchen will collaborate with local farmers and food banks to source excess seasonal produce. Residents will engage in large-scale preservation activities such as canning, pickling, and drying, ensuring surplus produce is efficiently utilized, minimizing wastage, and contributing to the community's food security.

• Collaboration with Service Organizations: The preservation kitchen will serve as a hub, preparing preserved food items that can be distributed to area service organizations. This collaboration will amplify the impact of existing programs by ensuring that high-quality, nutrient-rich preserved foods are accessible to those in need.

• Empowerment and Dignity: By actively involving residents in the food preservation process, the project aims to restore a sense of purpose, dignity, and self-confidence. Empowering individuals to contribute positively to their community fosters a sense of belonging and reduces feelings of marginalization.

• Sustainability and Social Impact: The preservation kitchen project embraces a sustainable approach by repurposing surplus produce and providing valuable skills. Graduates of the training program will be better equipped to find stable employment and transition out of homelessness, leading to a reduction in the demand for shelter services.

The "Empowerment Through Nourishment - The Preservation Kitchen Project" seeks to establish a preservation kitchen on the main floor of a houseless shelter. This multifaceted initiative aims to provide job training, home economics education, and large-scale local produce preparation to be utilized by area service organizations, thus creating a self-sustaining cycle of support and empowerment.

Project Objectives:

• Job Training: The preservation kitchen will offer comprehensive job training programs tailored to the shelter residents. Participants will acquire culinary skills, food safety knowledge, and preservation techniques, enabling them to seek employment in the food industry and break free from the cycle of homelessness.

• Home Economics Education: By incorporating home economics education into the project, residents will gain practical knowledge in meal planning, budgeting, nutrition, and cooking. This will empower them with essential life skills to transition into stable housing situations.

• Mass Local Produce Prep: The preservation kitchen will collaborate with local farmers and food banks to source excess seasonal produce. Residents will engage in large-scale preservation activities such as canning, pickling, and drying, ensuring surplus produce is efficiently utilized, minimizing wastage, and contributing to the community's food security.

• Collaboration with Service Organizations: The preservation kitchen will serve as a hub, preparing preserved food items that can be distributed to area service organizations. This collaboration will amplify the impact of existing programs by ensuring that high-quality, nutrient-rich preserved foods are accessible to those in need.

• Empowerment and Dignity: By actively involving residents in the food preservation process, the project aims to restore a sense of purpose, dignity, and self-confidence. Empowering individuals to contribute positively to their community fosters a sense of belonging and reduces feelings of marginalization.

• Sustainability and Social Impact: The preservation kitchen project embraces a sustainable approach by repurposing surplus produce and providing valuable skills. Graduates of the training program will be better equipped to find stable employment and transition out of homelessness, leading to a reduction in the demand for shelter services.

Quality of Life Forums
Are you dedicated to improving the living conditions in your community? Would you like to actively contribute to the betterment of our neighborhoods? Then mark your calendars for the upcoming Quality of Housing Forums happening on December 2!

Attend the Second Forum – Housing
We extend a warm invitation to everyone to join us at the Wesley United Methodist Church (1700 E 6th Street, Sioux Falls, SD) at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 2, for our forum on housing! The discussion will center around housing in the Whittier neighborhood, but all are encouraged to participate. Discover the available housing options and share your thoughts, questions, and concerns about housing in the community. Your voice matters!

Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. for those present.

What are Quality of Life Forums?
Our seven informative forums are aligned with Habitat for Humanity's comprehensive Quality of Life Framework. Each forum focuses on a crucial aspect of our lives, addressing key issues in our community. While the primary focus is on the Whittier neighborhood, we welcome residents from diverse backgrounds and interests to engage in these discussions, enriching the entire community.

A distinctive feature of these forums is their collaborative agenda-building process. We believe that valuable ideas come from our community members. Come prepared to bring your thoughts, concerns, or concepts to the table, and we'll ensure they become part of the discussion.

We look forward to your participation in the Quality of Life Forums as we collectively shape a better future for our community, one idea at a time!

Forum Topics Include:
Housing - December 2, 2023
Health - January 13, 2024
Education - January 27, 2024
Economic Opportunities - February 10, 2024
Safety - February 24, 2024
Amenities - March 9, 2024

Questions?
For more information, please reach out to Habitat’s neighborhood revitalization coordinator, Marcus.
Email: nr@siouxfallshabitat.org
Call: 605-261-6856

Join us in shaping the future of our community!

Quality of Life Forums

Are you passionate about making your community a better place to live? Do you want to have your voice heard and contribute to the well-being of our neighborhoods? Then you won't want to miss the upcoming Quality of Life Forums!

Attend the First Forum – Transportation

Everyone is invited to join us at the Wesley United Methodist Church (1700 E 6th Street, Sioux Falls, SD) at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 18, for our forum on transportation! The discussion will be focused on transportation in the Whittier neighborhood, but all are welcome to attend. Learn what options are available to you and voice your ideas, questions, and concerns about transportation in the community. We want to hear what you have to say!

Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. for those in attendance.

What are Quality of Life Forums?

Our seven exciting forums will revolve around Habitat for Humanity's comprehensive Quality of Life Framework. Each forum is dedicated to a key aspect of our lives, ensuring we address the most critical issues in our community. While focused on the Whittier neighborhood, we welcome residents of all backgrounds and interests to participate, as the discussions are meant to enrich the entire community.

One unique feature of these forums is their agenda-building process. We believe that the best ideas often come from our community members themselves. Come prepared to bring your thoughts, concerns, or concepts to the table, and we'll make sure they become a part of the discussion.

We can't wait to see you at the Quality of Life Forums as we build a brighter future for our community, one idea at a time!

Forum Topics Include:

Transportation - November 18, 2023
Housing - December 2, 2023
Health - January 13, 2024
Education - January 27, 2024
Economic Opportunities - February 10, 2024
Safety - February 24, 2024
Amenities - March 9, 2024

Questions?

Please contact Habitat’s neighborhood revitalization coordinator, Marcus.
Email: nr@siouxfallshabitat.org
Call: 605-261-6856

Join us in shaping the future of our community! #QualityOfLife #CommunityMatters

The "Empowerment Through Nourishment - The Preservation Kitchen Project" seeks to establish a preservation kitchen on the main floor of a houseless shelter. This multifaceted initiative aims to provide job training, home economics education, and large-scale local produce preparation to be utilized by area service organizations, thus creating a self-sustaining cycle of support and empowerment.

Project Objectives:

• Job Training: The preservation kitchen will offer comprehensive job training programs tailored to the shelter residents. Participants will acquire culinary skills, food safety knowledge, and preservation techniques, enabling them to seek employment in the food industry and break free from the cycle of homelessness.

• Home Economics Education: By incorporating home economics education into the project, residents will gain practical knowledge in meal planning, budgeting, nutrition, and cooking. This will empower them with essential life skills to transition into stable housing situations.

• Mass Local Produce Prep: The preservation kitchen will collaborate with local farmers and food banks to source excess seasonal produce. Residents will engage in large-scale preservation activities such as canning, pickling, and drying, ensuring surplus produce is efficiently utilized, minimizing wastage, and contributing to the community's food security.

• Collaboration with Service Organizations: The preservation kitchen will serve as a hub, preparing preserved food items that can be distributed to area service organizations. This collaboration will amplify the impact of existing programs by ensuring that high-quality, nutrient-rich preserved foods are accessible to those in need.

• Empowerment and Dignity: By actively involving residents in the food preservation process, the project aims to restore a sense of purpose, dignity, and self-confidence. Empowering individuals to contribute positively to their community fosters a sense of belonging and reduces feelings of marginalization.

• Sustainability and Social Impact: The preservation kitchen project embraces a sustainable approach by repurposing surplus produce and providing valuable skills. Graduates of the training program will be better equipped to find stable employment and transition out of homelessness, leading to a reduction in the demand for shelter services.

The "Empowerment Through Nourishment - The Preservation Kitchen Project" seeks to establish a preservation kitchen on the main floor of a houseless shelter. This multifaceted initiative aims to provide job training, home economics education, and large-scale local produce preparation to be utilized by area service organizations, thus creating a self-sustaining cycle of support and empowerment.

Project Objectives:

• Job Training: The preservation kitchen will offer comprehensive job training programs tailored to the shelter residents. Participants will acquire culinary skills, food safety knowledge, and preservation techniques, enabling them to seek employment in the food industry and break free from the cycle of homelessness.

• Home Economics Education: By incorporating home economics education into the project, residents will gain practical knowledge in meal planning, budgeting, nutrition, and cooking. This will empower them with essential life skills to transition into stable housing situations.

• Mass Local Produce Prep: The preservation kitchen will collaborate with local farmers and food banks to source excess seasonal produce. Residents will engage in large-scale preservation activities such as canning, pickling, and drying, ensuring surplus produce is efficiently utilized, minimizing wastage, and contributing to the community's food security.

• Collaboration with Service Organizations: The preservation kitchen will serve as a hub, preparing preserved food items that can be distributed to area service organizations. This collaboration will amplify the impact of existing programs by ensuring that high-quality, nutrient-rich preserved foods are accessible to those in need.

• Empowerment and Dignity: By actively involving residents in the food preservation process, the project aims to restore a sense of purpose, dignity, and self-confidence. Empowering individuals to contribute positively to their community fosters a sense of belonging and reduces feelings of marginalization.

• Sustainability and Social Impact: The preservation kitchen project embraces a sustainable approach by repurposing surplus produce and providing valuable skills. Graduates of the training program will be better equipped to find stable employment and transition out of homelessness, leading to a reduction in the demand for shelter services.

The "Empowerment Through Nourishment - The Preservation Kitchen Project" seeks to establish a preservation kitchen on the main floor of a houseless shelter. This multifaceted initiative aims to provide job training, home economics education, and large-scale local produce preparation to be utilized by area service organizations, thus creating a self-sustaining cycle of support and empowerment.

Project Objectives:

• Job Training: The preservation kitchen will offer comprehensive job training programs tailored to the shelter residents. Participants will acquire culinary skills, food safety knowledge, and preservation techniques, enabling them to seek employment in the food industry and break free from the cycle of homelessness.

• Home Economics Education: By incorporating home economics education into the project, residents will gain practical knowledge in meal planning, budgeting, nutrition, and cooking. This will empower them with essential life skills to transition into stable housing situations.

• Mass Local Produce Prep: The preservation kitchen will collaborate with local farmers and food banks to source excess seasonal produce. Residents will engage in large-scale preservation activities such as canning, pickling, and drying, ensuring surplus produce is efficiently utilized, minimizing wastage, and contributing to the community's food security.

• Collaboration with Service Organizations: The preservation kitchen will serve as a hub, preparing preserved food items that can be distributed to area service organizations. This collaboration will amplify the impact of existing programs by ensuring that high-quality, nutrient-rich preserved foods are accessible to those in need.

• Empowerment and Dignity: By actively involving residents in the food preservation process, the project aims to restore a sense of purpose, dignity, and self-confidence. Empowering individuals to contribute positively to their community fosters a sense of belonging and reduces feelings of marginalization.

• Sustainability and Social Impact: The preservation kitchen project embraces a sustainable approach by repurposing surplus produce and providing valuable skills. Graduates of the training program will be better equipped to find stable employment and transition out of homelessness, leading to a reduction in the demand for shelter services.

The "Empowerment Through Nourishment - The Preservation Kitchen Project" seeks to establish a preservation kitchen on the main floor of a houseless shelter. This multifaceted initiative aims to provide job training, home economics education, and large-scale local produce preparation to be utilized by area service organizations, thus creating a self-sustaining cycle of support and empowerment.

Project Objectives:

• Job Training: The preservation kitchen will offer comprehensive job training programs tailored to the shelter residents. Participants will acquire culinary skills, food safety knowledge, and preservation techniques, enabling them to seek employment in the food industry and break free from the cycle of homelessness.

• Home Economics Education: By incorporating home economics education into the project, residents will gain practical knowledge in meal planning, budgeting, nutrition, and cooking. This will empower them with essential life skills to transition into stable housing situations.

• Mass Local Produce Prep: The preservation kitchen will collaborate with local farmers and food banks to source excess seasonal produce. Residents will engage in large-scale preservation activities such as canning, pickling, and drying, ensuring surplus produce is efficiently utilized, minimizing wastage, and contributing to the community's food security.

• Collaboration with Service Organizations: The preservation kitchen will serve as a hub, preparing preserved food items that can be distributed to area service organizations. This collaboration will amplify the impact of existing programs by ensuring that high-quality, nutrient-rich preserved foods are accessible to those in need.

• Empowerment and Dignity: By actively involving residents in the food preservation process, the project aims to restore a sense of purpose, dignity, and self-confidence. Empowering individuals to contribute positively to their community fosters a sense of belonging and reduces feelings of marginalization.

• Sustainability and Social Impact: The preservation kitchen project embraces a sustainable approach by repurposing surplus produce and providing valuable skills. Graduates of the training program will be better equipped to find stable employment and transition out of homelessness, leading to a reduction in the demand for shelter services.

The "Empowerment Through Nourishment - The Preservation Kitchen Project" seeks to establish a preservation kitchen on the main floor of a houseless shelter. This multifaceted initiative aims to provide job training, home economics education, and large-scale local produce preparation to be utilized by area service organizations, thus creating a self-sustaining cycle of support and empowerment.

Project Objectives:

• Job Training: The preservation kitchen will offer comprehensive job training programs tailored to the shelter residents. Participants will acquire culinary skills, food safety knowledge, and preservation techniques, enabling them to seek employment in the food industry and break free from the cycle of homelessness.

• Home Economics Education: By incorporating home economics education into the project, residents will gain practical knowledge in meal planning, budgeting, nutrition, and cooking. This will empower them with essential life skills to transition into stable housing situations.

• Mass Local Produce Prep: The preservation kitchen will collaborate with local farmers and food banks to source excess seasonal produce. Residents will engage in large-scale preservation activities such as canning, pickling, and drying, ensuring surplus produce is efficiently utilized, minimizing wastage, and contributing to the community's food security.

• Collaboration with Service Organizations: The preservation kitchen will serve as a hub, preparing preserved food items that can be distributed to area service organizations. This collaboration will amplify the impact of existing programs by ensuring that high-quality, nutrient-rich preserved foods are accessible to those in need.

• Empowerment and Dignity: By actively involving residents in the food preservation process, the project aims to restore a sense of purpose, dignity, and self-confidence. Empowering individuals to contribute positively to their community fosters a sense of belonging and reduces feelings of marginalization.

• Sustainability and Social Impact: The preservation kitchen project embraces a sustainable approach by repurposing surplus produce and providing valuable skills. Graduates of the training program will be better equipped to find stable employment and transition out of homelessness, leading to a reduction in the demand for shelter services.

The "Empowerment Through Nourishment - The Preservation Kitchen Project" seeks to establish a preservation kitchen on the main floor of a houseless shelter. This multifaceted initiative aims to provide job training, home economics education, and large-scale local produce preparation to be utilized by area service organizations, thus creating a self-sustaining cycle of support and empowerment.

Project Objectives:

• Job Training: The preservation kitchen will offer comprehensive job training programs tailored to the shelter residents. Participants will acquire culinary skills, food safety knowledge, and preservation techniques, enabling them to seek employment in the food industry and break free from the cycle of homelessness.

• Home Economics Education: By incorporating home economics education into the project, residents will gain practical knowledge in meal planning, budgeting, nutrition, and cooking. This will empower them with essential life skills to transition into stable housing situations.

• Mass Local Produce Prep: The preservation kitchen will collaborate with local farmers and food banks to source excess seasonal produce. Residents will engage in large-scale preservation activities such as canning, pickling, and drying, ensuring surplus produce is efficiently utilized, minimizing wastage, and contributing to the community's food security.

• Collaboration with Service Organizations: The preservation kitchen will serve as a hub, preparing preserved food items that can be distributed to area service organizations. This collaboration will amplify the impact of existing programs by ensuring that high-quality, nutrient-rich preserved foods are accessible to those in need.

• Empowerment and Dignity: By actively involving residents in the food preservation process, the project aims to restore a sense of purpose, dignity, and self-confidence. Empowering individuals to contribute positively to their community fosters a sense of belonging and reduces feelings of marginalization.

• Sustainability and Social Impact: The preservation kitchen project embraces a sustainable approach by repurposing surplus produce and providing valuable skills. Graduates of the training program will be better equipped to find stable employment and transition out of homelessness, leading to a reduction in the demand for shelter services.

The "Empowerment Through Nourishment - The Preservation Kitchen Project" seeks to establish a preservation kitchen on the main floor of a houseless shelter. This multifaceted initiative aims to provide job training, home economics education, and large-scale local produce preparation to be utilized by area service organizations, thus creating a self-sustaining cycle of support and empowerment.

Project Objectives:

• Job Training: The preservation kitchen will offer comprehensive job training programs tailored to the shelter residents. Participants will acquire culinary skills, food safety knowledge, and preservation techniques, enabling them to seek employment in the food industry and break free from the cycle of homelessness.

• Home Economics Education: By incorporating home economics education into the project, residents will gain practical knowledge in meal planning, budgeting, nutrition, and cooking. This will empower them with essential life skills to transition into stable housing situations.

• Mass Local Produce Prep: The preservation kitchen will collaborate with local farmers and food banks to source excess seasonal produce. Residents will engage in large-scale preservation activities such as canning, pickling, and drying, ensuring surplus produce is efficiently utilized, minimizing wastage, and contributing to the community's food security.

• Collaboration with Service Organizations: The preservation kitchen will serve as a hub, preparing preserved food items that can be distributed to area service organizations. This collaboration will amplify the impact of existing programs by ensuring that high-quality, nutrient-rich preserved foods are accessible to those in need.

• Empowerment and Dignity: By actively involving residents in the food preservation process, the project aims to restore a sense of purpose, dignity, and self-confidence. Empowering individuals to contribute positively to their community fosters a sense of belonging and reduces feelings of marginalization.

• Sustainability and Social Impact: The preservation kitchen project embraces a sustainable approach by repurposing surplus produce and providing valuable skills. Graduates of the training program will be better equipped to find stable employment and transition out of homelessness, leading to a reduction in the demand for shelter services.

The "Empowerment Through Nourishment - The Preservation Kitchen Project" seeks to establish a preservation kitchen on the main floor of a houseless shelter. This multifaceted initiative aims to provide job training, home economics education, and large-scale local produce preparation to be utilized by area service organizations, thus creating a self-sustaining cycle of support and empowerment.

Project Objectives:

• Job Training: The preservation kitchen will offer comprehensive job training programs tailored to the shelter residents. Participants will acquire culinary skills, food safety knowledge, and preservation techniques, enabling them to seek employment in the food industry and break free from the cycle of homelessness.

• Home Economics Education: By incorporating home economics education into the project, residents will gain practical knowledge in meal planning, budgeting, nutrition, and cooking. This will empower them with essential life skills to transition into stable housing situations.

• Mass Local Produce Prep: The preservation kitchen will collaborate with local farmers and food banks to source excess seasonal produce. Residents will engage in large-scale preservation activities such as canning, pickling, and drying, ensuring surplus produce is efficiently utilized, minimizing wastage, and contributing to the community's food security.

• Collaboration with Service Organizations: The preservation kitchen will serve as a hub, preparing preserved food items that can be distributed to area service organizations. This collaboration will amplify the impact of existing programs by ensuring that high-quality, nutrient-rich preserved foods are accessible to those in need.

• Empowerment and Dignity: By actively involving residents in the food preservation process, the project aims to restore a sense of purpose, dignity, and self-confidence. Empowering individuals to contribute positively to their community fosters a sense of belonging and reduces feelings of marginalization.

• Sustainability and Social Impact: The preservation kitchen project embraces a sustainable approach by repurposing surplus produce and providing valuable skills. Graduates of the training program will be better equipped to find stable employment and transition out of homelessness, leading to a reduction in the demand for shelter services.

The "Empowerment Through Nourishment - The Preservation Kitchen Project" seeks to establish a preservation kitchen on the main floor of a houseless shelter. This multifaceted initiative aims to provide job training, home economics education, and large-scale local produce preparation to be utilized by area service organizations, thus creating a self-sustaining cycle of support and empowerment.

Project Objectives:

• Job Training: The preservation kitchen will offer comprehensive job training programs tailored to the shelter residents. Participants will acquire culinary skills, food safety knowledge, and preservation techniques, enabling them to seek employment in the food industry and break free from the cycle of homelessness.

• Home Economics Education: By incorporating home economics education into the project, residents will gain practical knowledge in meal planning, budgeting, nutrition, and cooking. This will empower them with essential life skills to transition into stable housing situations.

• Mass Local Produce Prep: The preservation kitchen will collaborate with local farmers and food banks to source excess seasonal produce. Residents will engage in large-scale preservation activities such as canning, pickling, and drying, ensuring surplus produce is efficiently utilized, minimizing wastage, and contributing to the community's food security.

• Collaboration with Service Organizations: The preservation kitchen will serve as a hub, preparing preserved food items that can be distributed to area service organizations. This collaboration will amplify the impact of existing programs by ensuring that high-quality, nutrient-rich preserved foods are accessible to those in need.

• Empowerment and Dignity: By actively involving residents in the food preservation process, the project aims to restore a sense of purpose, dignity, and self-confidence. Empowering individuals to contribute positively to their community fosters a sense of belonging and reduces feelings of marginalization.

• Sustainability and Social Impact: The preservation kitchen project embraces a sustainable approach by repurposing surplus produce and providing valuable skills. Graduates of the training program will be better equipped to find stable employment and transition out of homelessness, leading to a reduction in the demand for shelter services.

The Community Revitalization Collective (CRC) is an emerging cross-agency collaboration focused on the future wellness of the Whittier neighborhood in Sioux Falls.

The CRC will connect the dots for the neighbors and the city as a whole system. Understanding the Whittier neighborhood’s human and environmental ecology is essential to the program's success. Much of this year will focus on increasing collaboration and building a network between local agencies, nonprofits, and the City of Sioux Falls. This is to get an idea of the problems in the area and to generate potential projects to address the problems.

We are all hungry for change, but instead of waiting around for someone to serve you, make something yourself.

TAKE ACTION. CREATE OPPORTUNITIES. EAT TACOS.

Enter Citizen Taco. Here, a group of citizens will come together to introduce projects that can be completed in the next 7 days, find partners to make it happen, and of course, eat tacos. Join us over lunch and let’s make these ideas real.

How it works:
1. Eat a taco.
2. Fill out a sheet detailing the idea you have, where you want to see it implemented, and how you want to be involved.
3. Eat another taco.
4. Talk to other engaged citizens about your idea and receive feedback.
5. Eat two tacos at the same time.
6. Identify partners to make the idea reality.
7. Smash tacos together in a bowl, and then eat it.
Suggested Donation of $2 per taco.
We will also take $10s and $20s cuz, ya know, ya got to pay those taco bills.

You can find us on the east side loading dock every week. See you there!

Attendance: 150

The "Empowerment Through Nourishment - The Preservation Kitchen Project" seeks to establish a preservation kitchen on the main floor of a houseless shelter. This multifaceted initiative aims to provide job training, home economics education, and large-scale local produce preparation to be utilized by area service organizations, thus creating a self-sustaining cycle of support and empowerment.

Project Objectives:

• Job Training: The preservation kitchen will offer comprehensive job training programs tailored to the shelter residents. Participants will acquire culinary skills, food safety knowledge, and preservation techniques, enabling them to seek employment in the food industry and break free from the cycle of homelessness.

• Home Economics Education: By incorporating home economics education into the project, residents will gain practical knowledge in meal planning, budgeting, nutrition, and cooking. This will empower them with essential life skills to transition into stable housing situations.

• Mass Local Produce Prep: The preservation kitchen will collaborate with local farmers and food banks to source excess seasonal produce. Residents will engage in large-scale preservation activities such as canning, pickling, and drying, ensuring surplus produce is efficiently utilized, minimizing wastage, and contributing to the community's food security.

• Collaboration with Service Organizations: The preservation kitchen will serve as a hub, preparing preserved food items that can be distributed to area service organizations. This collaboration will amplify the impact of existing programs by ensuring that high-quality, nutrient-rich preserved foods are accessible to those in need.

• Empowerment and Dignity: By actively involving residents in the food preservation process, the project aims to restore a sense of purpose, dignity, and self-confidence. Empowering individuals to contribute positively to their community fosters a sense of belonging and reduces feelings of marginalization.

• Sustainability and Social Impact: The preservation kitchen project embraces a sustainable approach by repurposing surplus produce and providing valuable skills. Graduates of the training program will be better equipped to find stable employment and transition out of homelessness, leading to a reduction in the demand for shelter services.

The Community Revitalization Collective (CRC) is an emerging cross-agency collaboration focused on the future wellness of the Whittier neighborhood in Sioux Falls.

The CRC will connect the dots for the neighbors and the city as a whole system. Understanding the Whittier neighborhood’s human and environmental ecology is essential to the program's success. Much of this year will focus on increasing collaboration and building a network between local agencies, nonprofits, and the City of Sioux Falls. This is to get an idea of the problems in the area and to generate potential projects to address the problems.

We are all hungry for change, but instead of waiting around for someone to serve you, make something yourself.

TAKE ACTION. CREATE OPPORTUNITIES. EAT TACOS.

Enter Citizen Taco. Here, a group of citizens will come together to introduce projects that can be completed in the next 7 days, find partners to make it happen, and of course, eat tacos. Join us over lunch and let’s make these ideas real.

How it works:
1. Eat a taco.
2. Fill out a sheet detailing the idea you have, where you want to see it implemented, and how you want to be involved.
3. Eat another taco.
4. Talk to other engaged citizens about your idea and receive feedback.
5. Eat two tacos at the same time.
6. Identify partners to make the idea reality.
7. Smash tacos together in a bowl, and then eat it.
Suggested Donation of $2 per taco.
We will also take $10s and $20s cuz, ya know, ya got to pay those taco bills.

You can find us on the east side loading dock every week. See you there!

Attendance: 100

The Community Revitalization Collective (CRC) is an emerging cross-agency collaboration focused on the future wellness of the Whittier neighborhood in Sioux Falls.

The CRC will connect the dots for the neighbors and the city as a whole system. Understanding the Whittier neighborhood’s human and environmental ecology is essential to the program's success. Much of this year will focus on increasing collaboration and building a network between local agencies, nonprofits, and the City of Sioux Falls. This is to get an idea of the problems in the area and to generate potential projects to address the problems.

We are all hungry for change, but instead of waiting around for someone to serve you, make something yourself.

TAKE ACTION. CREATE OPPORTUNITIES. EAT TACOS.

Enter Citizen Taco. Here, a group of citizens will come together to introduce projects that can be completed in the next 7 days, find partners to make it happen, and of course, eat tacos. Join us over lunch and let’s make these ideas real.

How it works:
1. Eat a taco.
2. Fill out a sheet detailing the idea you have, where you want to see it implemented, and how you want to be involved.
3. Eat another taco.
4. Talk to other engaged citizens about your idea and receive feedback.
5. Eat two tacos at the same time.
6. Identify partners to make the idea reality.
7. Smash tacos together in a bowl, and then eat it.
Suggested Donation of $2 per taco.
We will also take $10s and $20s cuz, ya know, ya got to pay those taco bills.

You can find us on the east side loading dock every week. See you there!

Attendance: 194

The Community Revitalization Collective (CRC) is an emerging cross-agency collaboration focused on the future wellness of the Whittier neighborhood in Sioux Falls.

The CRC will connect the dots for the neighbors and the city as a whole system. Understanding the Whittier neighborhood’s human and environmental ecology is essential to the program's success. Much of this year will focus on increasing collaboration and building a network between local agencies, nonprofits, and the City of Sioux Falls. This is to get an idea of the problems in the area and to generate potential projects to address the problems.

We are all hungry for change, but instead of waiting around for someone to serve you, make something yourself.

TAKE ACTION. CREATE OPPORTUNITIES. EAT TACOS.

Enter Citizen Taco. Here, a group of citizens will come together to introduce projects that can be completed in the next 7 days, find partners to make it happen, and of course, eat tacos. Join us over lunch and let’s make these ideas real.

How it works:
1. Eat a taco.
2. Fill out a sheet detailing the idea you have, where you want to see it implemented, and how you want to be involved.
3. Eat another taco.
4. Talk to other engaged citizens about your idea and receive feedback.
5. Eat two tacos at the same time.
6. Identify partners to make the idea reality.
7. Smash tacos together in a bowl, and then eat it.
Suggested Donation of $2 per taco.
We will also take $10s and $20s cuz, ya know, ya got to pay those taco bills.

You can find us on the east side loading dock every week. See you there!

Attendance: