By Don Steen
The Rockport-based Success Through Mentoring program is seeking new volunteers as it continues to grow across the county. STM seeks to match local youth with positive adult role models, offering them a glimpse at some of the exciting things the world can offer if one works hard enough. Mentorship is not the only service volunteers can provide, however.
The organization also serves as the host agency for Gary’s Place Community Garden. Named for the late Gary Buse who passed away in 2017, this community garden serves as a living monument to one of his favorite hobbies and Buse’s commitment to helping others. His son, Steve, now serves as the head of STM and hopes to continue to expand both the garden and the mentorship program.
Gary’s Place Community Garden started with two acres and the goal of producing 2,000 pounds of vegetables in 2021. By the end of that year, a total of 9,480 pounds of fresh vegetables were handed out to local charities and individuals. Steve noted the initial goal of 2,000 pounds was met by the end of the first month. The garden produces tomatoes, peppers, winter and summer squash and corn.
A total of 14 area organizations benefited from this bounty. These include Purdue Extension, Washington Retirement Home, Christian Resource Center, NOW Counseling, Active Faith Health Ministry, Darlena’s, Dale United Methodist Church, The Little Yellow House, Bethany General Baptist Church, The Way, North Spencer Community Action Center, Rockport Highrise, Dale Presbyterian Church/Community Table and Lincoln Manor.
Throughout 2021, area individuals, agencies and local governments provided $8,620 in donations. Many also provided in-kind support in the form of seeds, plants, tools and equipment.
In addition, a total of 61 volunteers came from across the community to bring in the crops. A total of 682 volunteer hours were donated to the garden, a value of approximately $19,464.28.
“These amazing people came out to help plant, weed, water and harvest,” said Steve. “Without them, we could not have accomplished what we did.”
This will be the garden’s second year, and hopes run high for further progress. Steve said the goal for 2022 is to produce 15,000 pounds of vegetables to hand out to those in need. If anyone would like to donate time in the garden or money to buy irrigation pumps and other supplies, please call (812) 489-0101.
