All About GRACE Grows

GRACE Grows is a non-profit organization that collaborates with our local homeless transition shelter, GRACE Marketplace, to support their mission to end homelessness.

Our Mission: To empower individuals experiencing homelessness through community development, horticultural therapy, and education.

GRACE Grows is a two-part program:

Vocational Training

Stable employment that provides a living wage is key to ending chronic homelessness. Students in the UF Doctor of Plant Medicine Program work with us to provide the GRACE Grows Vocational Training Program. Participants of this program are able to become Certified Horticulture Professionals through the Florida Nursery, Growers, and Landscape Association (FNGLA). This is a well-known and respected certification that substantially increases employment opportunities in the Florida agricultural sector.

Community Teaching Garden

Trauma informed care is a significant element of addressing the root causes of homelessness. For individuals that have experienced trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder prevents personal stability and inhibits work capacity. Our community teaching garden provides a therapeutic space for individuals to heal by connecting with nature, interacting with others in a positive environment, growing a portion of their own food, and learning about agriculture.