Jones Valley Teaching Farm

Interns had the opportunity to visit Big Canoe Creek, where they learned about the importance of nature and gained valuable insights into health and wellness. They had an amazing time exploring and connecting with the environment!

Celebrating all of this!!!

Congrats Kendrick on being Intern of the Month! Your hard work, uplifting spirit, and dedication truly shine through. Well deserved!” We had the opportunity to ask him a few questions: 1.) What is it like to be named intern of the month? - It feels like a great accomplishment and that my hard work really paid off. 2.) What have you been up to recently? - Preparing for my graduation by making sure I am caught up on everything that is required of me to gradaute. 3.) Are there any specific goals your focused on right now? - Getting my finances together and getting my first car. 4.) What are your plans moving forward in life? - Going to college at Alabama A&M to major in theater. Also to join modeling troops and dance clubs on campus to gain the skills needed. 5.) What has been the most memorable experience at Jones Valley Teaching Farm? - Most memorable experience was attending Twilight because I got to meet a lot of people around the city. Also got the opportunity to network and tell others about my dreams and aspirations. Keep up the good work!!

Congrats to Carver student Abi Wilson for designing our new Internship Poster and winning $200! Your creativity and hard work truly paid off!!????

We're looking for a Director of Development and Communications! This person will create and oversee the implementation of a comprehensive multi-year development strategy for fundraising, lead the planning and execution of JVTF’s signature fundraising event, grant reporting, and donor/investor stewardship, and oversee JVTF's communications. They will also provide overall leadership in communicating JVTF’s mission and methods to our funding and community partners. Sound like a good fit for you or someone you know? Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gqCN9vXa

As Spring feels closer than ever, it feels like a good time to highlight some of the exciting work our farmers have been doing here at @jonesvalleyteachingfarm. With the help of some incredible partners we are able to give our "future food" the best start at life! Starting our seeds in a high quality potting mix from @dirtcraftorganics, and transplanting into quality soil from @alabamaorganics gives us the best chance to have thousands of pounds of produce to harvest ina few months time. #weonlyjustbegun

"Interns have had an eventful start to the new year, gaining valuable skills and experiences! From Javacia's writing workshop, where they learned the importance of grammar and revising, to a team-building exercise that challenged them to work together to build the tallest and most stable tower with limited resources. They also had the opportunity to engage in a thought-provoking debate on food insecurity in Alabama, presenting their insights to the staff. A year full of growth and collaboration!"

We've been busy on the farm, continuing to steward the land while staying thoughtful in our practices. Since shifting toward more intentional, no-till farming, We have been learning how to build no-dig garden plots to expand our efforts. I love projects where, as Farm Manager, I get to learn alongside the interns. They've really taught me how to trust the process-especially when I was feeling worried. For years, l've had a goal to increase our scale and production. With the growth of our farm stand and the ongoing need to combat food scarcity, this year felt like the time to make it happen. We built two new no-dig plots, salvaging cardboard that's now being recycled back into the earth-feeding the soil rather than filling landfills. These new plots alone will provide 2,000-3,000 extra pounds of fresh produce, supporting food distribution, programming, and our staff/interns, all while nourishing families in the Woodlawn community. Growth rooted in care and intention.

“Congrats, Jacob, for being Intern of the Month! Your hard work, dedication, and the way you carry yourself in the workplace are truly paying off!” We had the opportunity to ask him a few questions: 1.) What’s it like to be named intern of the month? It’s a true honor and privilege to be intern of the month. 2.) What have you been up to recently? Elevating the JROTC programs around Birmingham to bring them to a new level of opportunity and a better playing field to better ourselves. 3.) Are there any specific goals you’re focused on right now? My main goal right now is to focus on the transition from high school into the next chapter of my life. 4.) What are your plans moving forward in life? My plans moving forward is to go to college and Join the Marine Corps. 5.) What has been the most memorable experience at Jones Valley Teaching Farm? My most memorable moment here at Jones Valley Teaching Farm is when I give the community tours of our farm sites. Keep up the good work:)

Congratulations to 2024 College Connect Apprentice Cecilia who received her Medical Assistant Certification in December. “Working at Jones Valley Teaching Farm has been an incredibly enriching experience. During my time here, I have gained valuable knowledge about sustainability and responsible agricultural practices, as well as essential skills in teamwork and community collaboration. This role has not only allowed me to contribute to the well-being of the community through education and food but has also helped me grow personally and strengthen my commitment to making a positive impact in the world. I am truly grateful for this opportunity, which has inspired me to continue working with purpose as I pursue my professional goals.” Cecilia