Youth on probation hone interpersonal and other important life skills through supportive internship programs with partner farms and garden centers. There, youth fulfill court-mandated community service hours required for the successful completion of probation while immersed in environmental stewardship. Partnerships with local garden centers offer experience working with the public. Both opportunities help youth acquire skills needed for the work force such as punctuality, communication, consistency, discipline and reliability.

Partner organizations include:

• Ground Goods (Tiburon)

• Green Jeans Garden Supply (Mill Valley)

• Indian Valley Organic Farm and Garden (Novato)

• Marin County Cooperation Team Community Garden (Marin City)

• Marin County Parks

• Slide Ranch (Muir Beach)

In our agricultural internships, youth shed old labels and see themselves in a new way. As they work in the soil, they also cultivate hope, which allows them to take the first steps toward a positive future.