Joy Grows Growing Leaders Program focuses on empowering youth through hands-on skill building in areas such as growing, carpentry, science, and leadership.
We will be piloting the growing leaders program this spring of 2026 while the Eastport Community Farm is in the building stage. Please note that the Growing Leaders program will evolve in future sessions once we have classroom space on the Eastport Community Farm.
This spring Joy Grows and the community will work together to build the Eastport Community Farm for its official opening May 2nd, 2026. Joy Farm will be located on a ½ acre site in Eastport at 1156 Frederick Douglas Street, on the ball field next to the Eastport terrace laundry mat. Upon completion Eastport Community Farm will have a 60 x 60 sq ft greenhouse, 100 x 100 sq. ft. of vegetable production garden, classroom and collaboration space and so much more for the entire Eastport community.
Direct Contact information: Matthew Wallace – matthew@joy-grows.org, (443)-454-1481
Growing Leaders will
Core Sites: Our Garden (next to the rec center) and the Eastport Community Farm. Note: Both sites are in the Eastport Terrace/Harbour House neighborhood. Programs may be offered in collaboration with Brother Troy’s evening program at the Community Center.
Other Project Sites: Toni Cooks’ indoor microgreen farm 1125 Madison St. and Ms. Peaches healing garden (corner of President and Madison). Note: Further parent permission will be required for these sites.
Our schedule is TBD. Please complete permission slip and opt into receive updates about the Growing Leaders program.
The Eastport Community Farm’s ribbon cutting is set for 10AM May 2, 2026, and culminate the Growing Leaders spring session. At the cutting youth will be recognized, celebrated and given an opportunity to show their contributions to the farm to the community.
Youth are encouraged to wear clothes they can get dirty.
Snacks may be provided (please fill out the allergy section of the permission slip to ensure youth safety).
Any youth pre-K – 18 can be a growing leader! Youth in the Eastport Terrace/Harbour House neighborhood will be prioritized.
Parents are encouraged to stop by the sites any time! Want to be a parent volunteer? We’d love to have you.
