Urban Garden Site Gives Back to People leaving Prison and Poverty
SPRINGFIELD, MO––Tucked on the lot of Victory Mission’s Shelter for Men on North Broadway Ave., you can find a 4,000 square foot garden. Since 2019, Victory and Springfield Community Gardens have been teaming up to pack nutrient-dense foods into meals that serve participants, educate people leaving homelessness about what it looks like to grow your own food, and engage green-thumbed neighbors who are looking for ways to give back.
On any given day, Victory is serving 120+ meals to people who are working on rebuilding their lives. The majority of men staying at Victory’s shelter have struggled with addiction, incarceration, mental health, and abuse. As people work on transforming their lives in an accountable environment, they are learning the importance of eating foods that fuel their bodies. Guests staying at the shelter often join in on garden work days to learn what it looks like to grow their own food.
Dyllan Dale oversees the garden site and manages all foodservice operations at Victory Mission. His favorite part of the job is pouring into gentlemen who are gaining workforce experience through paid internships while in the 12-18 month Restoration Program. Dyllan himself is a graduate of the Restoration Program. He completed the program in 2020 after experiencing homelessness and addiction. Today, he’s gaining traction in the Springfield community for his culinary talents and his passion for incorporating foraged and Missouri-native foods in the meals he makes.
Dyllan shares, “After rebuilding my life through the Restoration program at Victory Mission, I was given the opportunity to give back. After 5 years of taking care of the garden, and four years of managing the kitchen it has given me an opportunity to grow as a person, and in my skill set. Working with men from the shelter, and men from the Restoration program is the most rewarding part of working for Victory!”
This season, the garden site has grown with the addition of a greenhouse at Victory’s HQ location on Boonville Ave thanks to last year’s Growing Access Grant from Festival of Sharing. A particularly mild winter paired with the new greenhouse has helped to extend the growing season.
Looking for ways to plug in?
Join garden work days on the fourth Saturday of each month from 9-11am at Victory Shelter (1610 N. Broadway Ave.). This Saturday, March 30 should be a beautiful day to spend in the garden!
Have an excess of food from your own garden or pantry? Bring supplies to Victory HQ (1715 N. Boonville Ave.) to support ministry meals.
For more information about how to give back or volunteer, reach Victory at info@victorymission.com or 417-864-2200.
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About Victory Mission —
Victory Mission reaches people leaving poverty, equipping them with tools to rebuild their lives and gain independence—because no life is beyond repair. Victory Mission serves the Springfield, Missouri area through a number of outreach, workforce development, and long-term discipleship programs. Learn more at victorymission.com, facebook.com/SpringfieldVictoryMission or instagram.com/victory.mission/.