55 Years, Countless Stories:
Empowering the Future
This year, Urban Roots celebrates 55 years of growing healthy communities. Our roots run deep, anchored by the people who’ve nurtured this organization from its humble beginnings to today’s thriving programs.
DEEP ROOTS
“Youth voice has always been the foundation to all of our work at Urban Roots but it has been awesome to see all of us take this ethos seriously and never rest with where we are.”
“…fostering tolerance and a deeper understanding of our commonality is an invaluable strength of Urban Roots’ work.”
“It feels like so many far-off dreams that we had nine years ago have come true!”
“What’s so special about Urban Roots, though, is that this growth is organic, shaping itself to the needs of the youth that it serves, even as external conditions and internal desires change.”
BUZZING LEADERS
“Being at Urban Roots feels like a weight lifted, freeing – I can be my authentic self here.“
“I learned that outdoor classrooms were a thing, I learned that working in environmental jobs was possible.“
“It was great being outdoors, working in the gardens, and connecting with the community.”
“I credit Urban Roots with laying the foundation for my ability to bring communities together through food and culture.“
“When I was in Youth Council as an intern I suggested we start a community garden for those around us and it actually happened!”
At the heart of this leadership growth is our Youth Council—a group of advanced interns who amplify youth voice and bring their passions to life through unique projects.
CROSS-POLLINATION
“A throughline for me has been an appreciation of Urban Roots’ dedication to place, nimbleness, and peer to peer learning model.”
“The ultimate success story is to see a young person’s enthusiasm for community, justice, and the environment carrying through to their adulthood and we have witnessed this through our work together.”
“People would often be inspired to share memories related to the smell of dill, how their mother always planted marigolds, … This work can only happen when residents feel safe and connected… Our Urban Roots staff have consistently supported this positive social and physical environment.”
“Vegetables, flowers, butterflies, bees, dirt, and kids. A great combination.”
“The interns are incredibly engaged, enthusiastic, and intelligent, especially when it comes to insects and worms!”
“The most valuable seed that Urban Roots has helped us grow is the opportunity for youth to build a relationship with the land and help steward and care for our sacred and culturally significant sites.”
“…laugh, share stories, and breathe in the fresh air…we also planted, weeded and harvested a bunch of vegetables and herbs. A gift to us all!”
“Together, we’re fostering a neighborhood where everyone has access to nutritious food and opportunities to grow, learn, and thrive.”