Roots & Wings Youth

By Jessie Crow Mermel

Event photos>>>

The work of growing food for others offers many challenges, but rarely garnishes much in the way of recognition and acknowledgement. However, the work of two women farmers was celebrated at the recent Good Food Advocate Celebration on April 28, 2017. Andrea Hazzard, farmer and proprieter of Hazzard Free Farm and Ketura St. Fleurose, Roots & Wings Youth Leader, environmental activist, and high school student, were honored as the 2017 Good Food Advocates by Angelic Organics Learning Center. The award recognized the two women for their work in supporting the mission...

We are grateful to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) for awarding a $15,000 Healthy Kids, Healthy Families grant to support the Roots & Wings Urban Agriculture and Youth Development Program. The Roots & Wings network builds leadership, job skills and community through farming in the city of Rockford. Angelic Organics Learning Center coordinates the Roots & Wings network together with Rockford youth, their families, neighbors, and support organizations.

"Giving back to help our communities is...

As we quickly approach the beginning of the June, I am reminded that only few weeks ago we had an accumulation snow on the ground (Brrrrr….). Over the last few months much work has been done at the Roots & Wings Youth Farm and the Blackhawk Courts Farm and Garden in preparation for the growing season.

We’ve all changed just a little bit in the off-season, and grown outward, upward, or inwardly. Youth Leaders and apprentices who were, before, slightly tentative, have stepped forward with a fresh confidence and focus. Younger youth, like Kijuan, have started to craft their special, unique-snowflake selves and shown us how they can be a valuable part of the team.