Earlier this year, Las Vegas-based nonprofit Green Our Planet partnered with local nonprofit The Just One Project to bring their innovative hydroponics program to The Just One Project’s new headquarters, located at 1401 North Decatur Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89108. The program will introduce hydroponics to The Just One Project’s various youth programs, bringing 19 brand new countertop units to students who will grow a variety of vegetables, including lettuce, kale, arugula and herbs, to be used in the headquarters’ no-cost community market.
“Through this partnership, we are committed to creating a lasting impact on these young adults and inspire them to explore careers in STEM, entrepreneurship and more,” said Ciara Byrne, CEO of Green Our Planet. “We are thrilled to bring these hydroponics units to The Just One Project and support their incredible mission of assisting the youth to reach their potential, learn valuable life skills and connect with our community.”
From the recommendation of a mutual nonprofit partner, Green Our Planet introduced The Just One Project to their HydroConnect program, which equips participants with one commercial hydroponics unit and nineteen smaller countertop hydroponics units. The program provides experiential learning in STEM, food production, nutrition, financial literacy and more, while fostering a sense of teamwork, responsibility and community well-being. The Just One Project incorporated the program as part of its Leadership Academy, a 90-day program for young adults ages 16-20 that are disconnected from school or employment. Leadership Academy focuses on self-development, career/education development and personal finance skills taught through a variety of activities including volunteering, collaborating on team projects and more. Students will use the nineteen countertop units during their program, while the commercial unit will be housed in The Just One Project’s newest community market, located inside their headquarters on Decatur Blvd.
“This experience has helped me become confident in knowing that I can produce my own herbs and vegetables,” said Leadership Academy student, Taziyae Jones-Cook. “This is a skill that I hope to one day use outside of The Just One Project. Not only is it cheaper than buying produce at the grocery store, but it’s great knowing there are no chemicals used in the process. I look forward to showing others this new skill.”
“Green Our Planet is such an innovative partner and complements our youth programming,” said Brooke Neubauer, CEO and founder, The Just One Project. “Working directly with the hydroponics systems gives our students hands-on experience of the benefits of growing your own food, a life skill that is valuable for youth and adults alike.”
For more information about Green Our Planet, please visit greenourplanet.org.
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