Farm to Table is a vital resource for ending the vicious pipeline to incarceration, homelessness, and suicide among at-risk youth today.
Why this project?
Farm to Table wraps around youth at risk, providing them opportunities to learn and grow, to shine and thrive, so they don’t end up homeless, in jail, or hurting themselves.
What’s included?
A small farm and outdoor learning center, state-of-the-art teaching kitchen with six workstations, and indoor and outdoor dining areas
Space to Learn
During Farm to Table, youth work in the garden, learn the many nuances of the hospitality industry while working directly with skilled chefs. While teaching these important trade skills, youth learn about themselves, they relax, their blood pressure goes down, they become grounded and centered. Farm to Table offers a form of meditation and the chance for youth to get inside their bodies, feel where they’re at, and connect deeply to themselves. The experience also allows them to connect with others, share in the garden, care for the chickens, and pick fresh produce together. They then learn how to cook it, plate it, and turn it into a meal to be shared and enjoyed.
We are teaching youth both trade and critical life coping skills they will carry forward for the rest of their lives.
Farm to Table builds a connection to the community. To teach our youth, we bring in highly-regarded chefs, experts from the hospitality industry, and local farmers. In the process, we help them develop a network, a portfolio, and a future.
This future is one where they are mentally healthy, employable, and ready to lead independent lives. It is a future where they have built a strong relationship with themselves so they can effectively build relationships with others and the community.
Where is it?
The Farm to Table program is located at Journey Academy, a therapeutic non-public high school located on our main campus in Sebastopol.
Project Progress
June 2024
Phase One and Two are now complete. This included the construction of an expansive outdoor event and dining space, an organic garden, a chicken coop, and garden. The third and final phase, remodeling and expanding a state-of-the-art teaching kitchen, is now well underway.
Additionally, TLC is close to completing its capital campaign to raise $1 million to bring Farm to Table over the finish line.
Farm to Table teaches students valuable personal and professional skills. Here, they learn invaluable culinary skills, the importance of collaboration, and key leadership skills while receiving work-readiness coaching. Students also become engaged with the Earth, connect to our natural world, and learn what it means to be a good land steward. Participants create meaningful networks and pathways toward careers in culinary arts, hospitality, and agriculture. Students also receive support in developing their Work Readiness Certificate Portfolio, administered by the Sonoma County Office of Education.
As part of Farm to Table, in order to meet the growing needs of at-risk youth, once established, TLC is committed to finding innovative and creative ways to broaden the curriculum and access to our larger community
This project is only made possible through community support. Thank you!
See It for Yourself
To tour our campus and Farm to Table, or to learn more, contact us at info@tlc4kids.org
Who’s involved?
The program is supported by TLC Child & Family Services, a local non-profit serving over 250 youth and families a day, as well as other local organizations and funders …and you!
