By Dawn Blackmore.
We Got This Milwaukee is our December Share the Plate recipient. We Got This is a grassroots community garden initiative that empowers and employs young black males to become active in the beautification and cleanup of their community. It was founded in 2014 by Andre Lee Ellis, a community activist who had the idea of providing jobs for young men and boys in the community gardens at 9th and Ring Streets, in the 53206 zip code area of Milwaukee. What started as one invitation to one young man soon turned into over 100 youth working in the garden every Saturday by the end of that first summer.
Now in its sixth year, the young men and boys who participate in the program each summer learn about gardening, take part in neighborhood cleanups, and are matched with a mentor who provides support and encouragement to set high and realistic goals for themselves. Violence in the neighborhood has decreased since the program began, along with an increase in community pride and connection. For an excellent and in-depth look at We Got This, complete with photos and video, please see the Journal Sentinel article: https://projects.jsonline.com/news/2018/12/7/milwaukee-community-garden-produces-free-vegetables-safe-place-for-boys.html
You can also visit their website at wegotthismke.com to find out how you can volunteer.
Cash collected in the plate will be shared 50/50 between We Got This and First Church. To donate only to We Got This, please write a check directly to We Got This and we will mail it for you. Parents and guardians, please talk with your children how even small donations help.
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