A group of seniors who came to Aurora as refugees from Africa are getting a chance to connect with the community thanks to a new gardening initiative sponsored by local nonprofit Renewed Roots Initiative.
These seniors, who left countries such as Rwanda and Congo, are getting the chance to “renew” themselves through the gardening program, according to Gordana Kaludjerovic, Senior Services Specialist at World Relief Wheaton-Aurora.
More Top Picks Best Safety Helmets For Electricians
“Some of them have waited more than 20 years to come to the United States,” she said.
Many of these seniors had farming backgrounds but now are living with their families in small apartments in Aurora as they attempt to establish their lives in the United States, she said.
The garden gives the seniors a chance to grow specialty items that they used to grow in their former countries, she said.
Kaludjerovic said there are very few African grocery stores in the area and the “food is very expensive.”
In addition, she said, “These seniors are the most vulnerable. They are not speaking the language. They are not driving. They are not working. They are sitting at home. They are scared to go outside. Gardening is part of their old life.”
Recently, Jared Mead, one of the founders of Renewed Roots Initiative, met the seniors and showed them around the organization’s community garden plots at 1921 Jericho Road.
Mead, who used to work at River’s Edge Cafe in Aurora, had become familiar with the refugees and their stories — with the aid of a translator.
“They are very, very excited to have some land to grow on,” he learned.
Longtime friends Mead and Erin Carlisle formed Renewed Roots Initiative in 2016 with the goal of improving food security and environmental conservation in Aurora.
In its third growing season, Mead said, “We are focusing on our community garden.”
The goal is to have a “more simplified season,” he said. “Last year was incredible, but it also was a lot of work.”
In 2017, the organization produced 2,700 pounds of produce. More than half of that was donated to the Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry, Mead said.
On May 5, beginning at 9 a.m., the group is having a community work day, in part to kick off the gardening season, but also specifically to divide plots for the World Relief seniors and create boxes for their tools, he said.
Volunteers can plant seeds, roll out fencing, prepare beds and rows, spread mulch and plant flowers.
Renewed Roots received a significant donation of tomato, pepper, kale and jalapeno plants from The Growing Place, Mead said.
This year, Renewed Roots Initiative is offering two sizes of plots. Food can be grown for those in need or for personal use. It is the only community garden in Aurora that also provides on-site water, tools, storage and coordinated produce donation to food pantries, Mead said.
Plots are available from May through October.
Cathy Janek is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.