Community Mercantile Education Foundation is pleased to announce the awarding of a $5,000 grant from Douglas County Community Foundation to support a new project – Growing Food, Growing Hope: A Garden Collaboration with DCCCA First Step at Lake View.

CMEF is breaking ground this spring on a new garden on the grounds of DCCCA First Step at Lake View, a residential substance abuse treatment center for women and their children. CMEF will build and maintain the garden, with produce being used in the facility’s kitchen. Residents will have the opportunity to engage in the garden as a work place, a healing space, a place of learning and skills, and a place for children to dig in the dirt.

The grant from DCCF will allow us to put the infrastructure of the new garden in place including installation of fencing, a permanent and inviting arbor, and seating area for First Step residents to enjoy.

For more information, contact Nancy O’Connor, Executive Director, Community Mercantile Education Foundation and Director of Education and Outreach, The Merc Co+op at 785-843-8544 or cmef@themerc.coop.

Community Mercantile Education Foundation a 501(c) (3), was established in 1999 for the purpose of extending the educational outreach being done by our sister organization, The Merc Co+op. CMEF provides hands-on nutrition education that promotes personal health and well being, strengthens our community, and supports sustainable and local food systems.

DCCCA is a 501(c)(3) operating in Kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri providing social and community services that improve the safety, health, and well-being of the people it serves. After more than 40 years of service, DCCCA has approximately 250 employees in over 12 locations across the Midwest.

Douglas County Community Foundation: Since 2000, thousands of local residents have donated $47 million through the community foundation to support local, national and international causes that reflect their lifelong values and passions. Their community grants support a wide range of local projects in the areas of arts and culture, children and youth, community development, education, health, housing and human services.

The Merc Co+op provides our community a place to shop, gather, eat and learn by offering real food and sustainable products at reasonable prices through cooperative ownership and responsible commerce. Everyone can shop at The Merc Co+op and anyone can become an owner.