GREEN Corps Fresh Start Program

About the Program

Category: Criminal Justice and Public Safety (Best in Category)

Year: 2012

In response to a growing need to assist juveniles with their path into adulthood, Clackamas County Juvenile Department (CCJD) partnered with OSU Extension Service-Clackamas to develop GREEN (Growing Resources for Economic & Equitable Nutrition) Corps Fresh Start, a youth employment training program with training in horticulture, organic farming, forestry and small business management. Youth participated in the growing and selling of vegetables, herbs, and flowers. This first phase of the program occurred over the 2011 spring and summer season. The CCJD GREEN Corps Fresh Start program participants improved community access to fresh fruits and vegetables by distributing produce to participants and their families, local food banks, volunteers and other community members involved with Juvenile Department programming. Select items were also sold at the Oregon City Farmers Market GREEN Corps Fresh Start booth. GREEN Corps Fresh Start participants worked with local farmers learning specialized farming practices while also providing struggling farmers with volunteer labor. Youth became the business owners of the Fresh Start program, receiving training and assisting with the marketing, accounting and strategic planning of their summer business. Fresh Start participants earned college credit from Clackamas Community College as well as a stipend to pay restitution to victims through their participation in the program. Not only does this project contribute to the betterment of the community, but it also helps juveniles get a "fresh start".