The AmeriCorps* VISTA volunteers who make-up the Grow Food, Grow Hope Garden Initiative are a unique and diverse group of young, passionate individuals. We all come from different backgrounds, different educational experiences, and different worldviews. Together, though, we combine a wide variety of skills to target one singular goal: ending poverty. Through outreach, education, and empowerment, we are working toward that end.
We are:
Meghan OttoFocus within our project: Grow Food, Grow Hope Project Manager
Hometown: Smithsburg, Maryland
Education: B.A. Psychology and Sociology, Towson University, 2005
M.A. Education, Johns Hopkins University, 2010
With Grow Food, Grow Hope Since: March 2011
M.A. Education, Johns Hopkins University, 2010
With Grow Food, Grow Hope Since: March 2011
Favorite gardening quote: "Gardens are a form of autobiography." ~Sydney Eddison
New experience Grow Food, Grow Hope has given me: It has been exciting to see people of all ages eager to share and learn together in community. It’s been great to feel welcome to share what I’ve experienced in my gardens all the while being taught so much by those around me!
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Focus within our project: Research & Data Collection and Youth Outreach
Hometown: Pisgah, Ohio
Education: B.S. Early Childhood Education, Wilmington College, 2010
With Grow Food, Grow Hope Since: November 2010
Favorite gardening quote:
"We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses." ~Abraham Lincoln
New experience Grow Food, Grow Hope has given to me:
Coming from a suburban community, I have very limited knowledge on gardening. However, by working alongside community members and volunteers, I hope to gain a better understanding of gardening. I hope that by learning with the community members and volunteers, that I can inspire them with a "can do" attitude when it comes to acquiring necessary gardening skills.
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Sarah BachmanFocus within our program: Public Relations
Hometown: Dayton, Ohio
Education: B.A. Sociology, Shawnee State University, 2011; A.S Film & Video Production, Full Sail University, 2003.
With Grow Food, Grow Hope Since: June 2011
Favorite gardening quote: "Respecting the dignity of a spectacular food means enjoying it at its best." ~Barbara Kingsolver
New experience Grow Food, Grow Hope has given me:
Finally, after years of searching and learning, I feel like what I am doing is worth while. I've been able to combine many of my passions with Grow Food, Grow Hope in our mission to help others.
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Bernadette Gallagher
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Focus within our project: Backyard Gardens
Hometown: Avon, Ohio
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Michelle KerschnerFocus within our project: Youth Outreach Coordinator (focus on Camps and Mobile Garden)
Hometown: Litchfield, Ohio
Education: B.S. in Agricultural Animal Science with a minor in Communications, Wilmington College, 2011
With Grow Food, Grow Hope Since: June 2011
Favorite gardening quote "There can be no other occupation like gardening in which, if you were to creep up behind someone at their work, you would find them smiling." ~Mirabel Osler
New experience Grow Food, Grow Hope has given me: I enjoy working with Grow Food Grow Hope because it gives me the opportunity to work within a community. I get to experience all ages from 2-92 and that in itself is an amazing site. I love being able to teach the children about gardening, and give them the new found knowledge about where there food comes from. I am very excited to continue learning new things from everyone in the community as well as the garden itself.
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Amy VolzFocus within our project: Youth Outreach Coordinator (focus in Elementary)
Hometown: I am originally from Everett, Washington but I relocated to Wilmington, Ohio about 4 years ago
Education: BA in Early Childhood Education from Wilmington College, 2010
With Grow Food, Grow Hope Since: June of 2011
Favorite gardening quote: “One of the most delightful things about a garden is the anticipation it provides.” ~W.E. Johns, The Passing Show
New experience Grow Food, Grow Hope has given me: I love that working with Grow Food, Grow Hope allows me to use my creativity to work with kids in the community to teach them the importance of eating fresh healthy food, and teaching them that they can grow fresh food right in their own backyard. I came into this experience with only a very basic knowledge of gardening and I’m so excited about all that I am learning already, can’t wait to pass on that excitement to others.
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