College for Life is a John Wood Community College program that helps special needs students learn valuable life and career skills.
Currently, the program is holding its second annual “Garden Market Sale.”
The market features plants grown and potted by College for Life Students.
There is a variety of plants available, from herbs and vegetable to flowers and living arrangements, and a community favorite, fairy gardens.
“So we had over 50 fairy gardens, and they’re just so cute… That was a lot of fun, we did that a couple weeks ago. And they’re very popular with our customers.” Stated Angela Barnes, who has been an instructor at college for life for two years now.
In that time, she says the impact on students is massive, and goes beyond the classroom.
“I’ve seen so much, no pun intended, “growth” and blossoming within our students, socially, they just, they love the college life, they navigate to classes, and lunch, and have friends, it’s been a great program.” Said Barnes.
All the plants at the market are available for a suggested donation, which ranges from $4.00, to $50.00 for the larger plants and arrangements.
All that money goes directly back to the College for Life Program.
Program participants say they don’t know what they’d do without it.
“It’s so great for kids, i can’t speak highly enough for it.” Said Jill Burgess, whose son Nick has been a student at College for Life since it started in 2017. “For these kids that are in school and what do we do? And then some of the kids have gone on, they’re able to go into some of the mainstream classes, it’s phenomenal. And all the students accept, all these kids, and it’s just such a great atmosphere.”
College for Life students didn’t just grow the plants though, they are also taking care of them, and helping customers, learning social skills that go beyond the classroom.
And the support from the community has been big.
“Nick worked on Monday, I was here on Tuesday, and coming back [Thursday] to the amount of stuff that’s gone is just, is unbelievable.” Said Burgess.
And you still have one more day to participate.
The Market Garden will be open on Friday, April 24th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the John Wood Greenhouse, 1301 S 48th St, Quincy, IL 62305.
If you can’t make it then, there are plans to bring back the Garden Market for a third year in 2027.
Comments are closed.