Gardeners' Mound

Neighbors with a Purpose is Partnering with Youth Leaders from Memphis !

We are so excited to share that our garden site has been identified : Hanley Elementary in Orange Mound. Youth Leaders from Memphis voted for "Gardeners' Mound" as our name. "Gardeners" as there will be many. "Mound" to recognize Orange Mound, the neighborhood where Hanley is located. We envison our garden as place for students and neighbors to come together and build something amazing ! A place for Joy, Play, Skill Building and Healthy Food. From planning, budgeting & shopping...to planting, growing, building, celebrating, cooking and sharing ! Youth (elementary through high school ) will be involved in every step along the way.

 We started this project by asking youth leaders from all districts in Memphis :

 “If you had a magic wand and could get whatever you want or need for your local neighborhoods (school, community centers, parks, etc)....What would it be ?  

What would make your neighborhood better for kids and teens ?”  

These were their responses :

(The bolded areas are where Gardeners' Mound will have an impact on their feedback) 

• Real life experiences (mentors to learn from, job experience, new skills)

• Social media posting of events (“We don’t know what is out there for us’”)

• Computers and instructions for using them. (not broken and readily available)

• Outdoor areas & parks cleaned up with play / exercise equipment available.

• Fun things to do for kids/teens (mall, rink, water park, equipment, theaters)

• Festivals. Food trucks

• Clothes (including prom, dresses)

• Disability friendly park  (swings)

• Security  (in spaces where we go to have fun)

• Food (especially healthy/fresh… at community centers, after school, camp)

• Wellness Clinic. A place to talk to a nurse or therapist (hygiene / health supplies)

• Church activities. A place for classes/activities. Festivals

• Job opportunities. Training/Experience/Relationships

• Scholarships (based on good behaviors/character, not just grades)

• Volunteer hours (a place to get these & they are required for school)

• Community places to work. (inside and outside of our neighborhoods)

• Stores and shops, local businesses.

• Summer activities/programs (they fill up and transportation issues). 

• Libraries in community centers.  

• School based libraries with computers resources & activities.. 

• Camp and classes for music and the arts. Places to learn and perform. 

• Pretty parks / outdoor spaces (safe, clean, no snakes, things to do)

• Gardening and time with nature

• Transportation (to jobs/volunteer/experience sites)

• Renovations (outdoor spaces & playgrounds)

On behalf of our board of directors, youth from all areas of Memphis, and 14,400 neighbors in Orange Mound, we ask you to follow, support and celebrate with us !