Access to fresh, organic produce and farm fresh eggs directly contributes to the physical well-being of vulnerable populations by providing nutrient-dense food options.  Produce grown at Sunflower Farms is free from chemicals and pesticides, offering a healthier alternative to processed and low-nutrient food that is often more accessible to low-income families and individuals facing food insecurity.

Additionally, volunteering a the farm offers mental health benefits, as studies show that time spent in nature and community service can reduce stress and improve mood. Physical activity, combined with the sense of purpose derived from supporting a larger cause, promotes overall wellness.  This dual focus on access to healthy food and mental well-being creates a holistic approach to community health.

Sunflower Farms provides hands-on education in sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and environmental stewardship.  By involving middle and high school students who can earn school credits for their volunteer hours, the farm services as an outdoor classroom, teaching students valuable skill in organic farming, wildlife habitat conservation and teamwork.  Volunteers learn sustainable farming technics, including soil health, drip irrigation, and native plant restoration, which they can apply in their own lives or future careers.

Through workshops and collaborative learning, volunteers gain practical knowledge of organic agriculture and ecological balance, including the impact of wildlife-friendly farming practices on local ecosystems. This education aspect empowers individuals, especially youth, with skills in environmental responsibility and food self-sufficiency.

The Position: The interships will run form April – August with flexible start and stop dates.  Intern can expect to work 4 hour shifts two days per week, from 8 am to noon. Each day will start with a list of tasks to be completed.  This is a great opportunity for someone seeking in depth agricultural experience.  APPLICATION DEADLINE IS MARCH 14, 2023

Duties include:

• Planting, weeding, harvesting plants
• Field preparation/ spreading compost
• Seed starting in our greenhouse
• Transplanting
• Processing flowers to display at our farm stand
• Maintaining an organized space
• Many other farm related tasks

Qualifications:

• Ability to lift and carry 40 lbs
• Ability to work efficiently, while maintaining a high standard of excellence
• A desire to work on a small, hardworking team of volunteers
• Willingness to adapt and learn
• Abiltiy to follow instructions and work independently
• Passion for providing food to alleviate hunger in our community
• Positive and fun attitude

TO APPLY: Please email the following to focusonyouth@gmail.com

Personal statement that includes any experience growing vegetables or flowers.  Your expectations from the farm intership.

Letter of recommendation (recommended, but not required)

Bag it Forward! Thanks New Seasons!
Staff at Raleigh Hills New Seasons Market have voted in Focus on Youth as one of their three Bag it Forward partners. Starting August 10th, customers receiving a 5¢ reusable bag refund can choose to donate their refund to an organization that aligns with their three charitable giving focus areas: hunger relief, environmental conservation and supporting K – 12 schools. Our program, Seeds of Hope will be our Hunger Bag it Forward choice at our Raleigh Hills location. So, when doing your weekly shopping at the Raleigh Hills New Seasons Market – don’t forget to donate your nickel bag refund to Focus on Youth and our program Seeds of Hope.

Bag it Forward! Thanks New Seasons!
Staff at Raleigh Hills New Seasons Market have voted in Focus on Youth as one of their three Bag it Forward partners. Starting August 10th, customers receiving a 5¢ reusable bag refund can choose to donate their refund to an organization that aligns with their three charitable giving focus areas: hunger relief, environmental conservation and supporting K – 12 schools. Our program, Seeds of Hope will be our Hunger Bag it Forward choice at our Raleigh Hills location. So, when doing your weekly shopping at the Raleigh Hills New Seasons Market – don’t forget to donate your nickel bag refund to Focus on Youth and our program Seeds of Hope.

Our friends at BLACKFISH GALLERY once again made us beneficiaries of their holiday season sale. A lovely check arrived in the mail this month, money we can certainly use. Our deeply felt thanks go out to FOY Family member Jana Svoboda, Director Gina Carrington, and the other artist-owners of BLACKFISH. As a timely note, on January 31, the main gallery will open Jim Neidhardt: Modern Screen with a gallery talk by the artist on February 18 at 2 PM. If you go on First Thursday, the gallery is open until 9 PM and you’ll have time to check out work by Stephan Soihl in The Backroom. If you happen to be strolling the neighborhood, check out Carol Benson‘s work in Fishbowl 1, and Crista Anne Ames‘ in Fishbowl 2.

need an essay right now

Left to right… our new friend Clint who volunteers to make things work at the Q Center Gallery; Allison, James, Gary, T.C., and Donna Lee.

Great group of folks who did a great job.

Much many thanks!

Focus on Youth Photography Exhibit and Sale

One week sale only – January 8th toJanuary 14th 2012

The Q Center 4115 N Mississippi Portland OR

Join us at the reception on January 12th from 5 PM to 7 PM

28″x19″ glicée printed on high quality canvas wrapped on heavy stretcher bars.

Underwater photography rarely gets more storybook romantic than this striking image of an almost mythical beastie.