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Home My WebLink AboutR. Duane Morris p C� C� C� � MC NOV 2 017 S `D' St Port Angeles, Wa 98363 CITY O r'F ORT ANGELES 360-461-1293 CITY CLERK I have volunteere at The Answer for Youth for more than 2 years. Prior to my first day in August of 2015 1 had had no prior experience with challenged young people as I had been teaching at a university. I had been engaging with intelligent and trustworthy(for the most part) kids between the ages of 18 and 25. It was a bit of a shock to encounter youth that have controlled substance/illegal drug issues, mental disparities and with parents that did not love or respect them. At first, I was happy to help out in any capacity that enabled me to be of service. It was relatively difficult to gain the confidence of TAFY guests because their lives depend on not trusting people in general,the way of life on the street. Gradually as my face became familiar and they realized that my intentions were for their short-term safety and comfort and long-term improvement, they started opening up. What I have found is that they lack trust, beyond basic survival. They need reasons to feel confident about themselves and their life. I have been in the horticulture trade since I was 8 years old, mowing lawns for my parent's neighbors. I was able to graduate from University with a 4-year horticulture program degree.Then worked for 8 years for a well-known landscape firm, which was precedent for owning my own landscape business for 15 years. My experience was incredibly useful while I was teaching horticulture at Cal Poly State University for nearly 20 years. What I've learned is that gardening; however un-scientific it may seem, is incredibly therapeutic. Frequently I run into people that have a self-proclaimed brown thumb!What they need is some direction and confidence.What I'd like for our TAFY guests to experience is exposure to learning how to grow and nurture plants,flowers,vegetables,fruits and herbs. It has become scientific reality that exposure to dirt is good for people. Plants grow in dirt(OK I admit, soil is the proper term)and people who work with plants and soil have shown the following responses: • It helps keep their microbiome healthy • It helps develop a healthy immune system • Reduces anxiety and provides a brain boost • It is fun and relaxing • Fosters a love of nature • Builds independence I am hoping that some few of our guests might find joy in working with plants, getting their hands in the soil,gain confidence in understanding how plants grow(they don't talk back but will show you if they are unhappy)and a renewed purpose in an independent life that bridges to the future rather than being handicapped from past events. It may be that we can give,through working one-on-one in education and social support,some young people a new purpose and foster future enthusiasts for our community and help to add to rather than drain from its economic base. All of the greenhouse's income over expenses supports efforts of The Answer for Youth in providing a barrier free welcoming space for homeless and at-risk youth. Please help us in our efforts with Sprouting Hope Greenhouse. Sincere , SPROUTING HOPE GREENHOUSE The Answer for Youth 826 E. First St. Port Angeles, WA 98362 Duane 360-461-1293 TAFY (The Answer for Youth) Sprouting Hope Greenhouse needs more space. Additional space will allow us to continue to fund and support TAFY goals, generate enough income to reduce the mortgage and provide stability and sustainability to TAFY. It will allow us more freedom to involve our clients in acquiring gardening experience using our existing greenhouse. A big part of our purpose is to give clients the opportunity to plant seeds and cuttings to grow in our garden or on their own if they can. They will learn to grow and produce products we can use in the retail operation as well as contributing to their own meals. A new greenhouse will allow us to continue meeting the expectations of our return customers in Clallam County. Plans include purchasing a 24'x72'greenhouse kit, have it delivered to our site, and erect it ourselves. This will be a onetime expense and will provide a quality, efficient and attractive building that will also be an asset to the TAFY physical location and to our community. We have a $6,000 matching grant from the Port Angeles Port Community Partner Program and an equal amount saved from this year's greenhouse sales. We want to do it once and do it right. We don't have enough to acquire the quality greenhouse the site deserves. We need to raise $ 16,000 to allow us to be in production for the 2018 season. This will be a very solid investment and will provide learning experiences for many people who otherwise would not have the opportunity. We are a SO 1 C3 nonprofit and your donation will be tax deductible. Your check may be made out to TAFY memo: Greenhouse'and sent to Duane Morris at 709 S D St., Port Angeles, WA 98363 or it can be mailed or dropped off at TAFY, 826 E. 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