The Homeless Garden Project recently announced New Leaf Community Markets as its inaugural Employer Partner of the Year. The award was presented at the Santa Cruz-based nonprofit’s Fall Sustain Farm Supper before an audience of more than 250 community members.
Founded in 1990, the Homeless Garden Project provides job training, transitional employment and support services to people experiencing homelessness. Employer partners are vital to this mission — hosting mock interviews, serving on employer panels and hiring program graduates ready to re-enter the workforce.
In 2025, New Leaf Community Markets hired five Homeless Garden Project program participants in rapid succession, enabling early graduation for those trainees and opening opportunities for new participants to join the program.
“Having employers come out to the farm and meet our trainees is powerful,” said Darrie Ganzhorn, executive director of the Homeless Garden Project, in a press release. “They see firsthand the motivation and readiness of our participants — and that builds real confidence to hire.”
Homeless Garden Project’s local employer partners include The Garden Co., the city of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department, Housing Matters, Janus and the Santa Cruz Warriors.
“The Homeless Garden Project empowers people to gain control of their lives and move out of homelessness,” said Scott Roseman, founder of New Leaf Community Markets, in the release. “It’s great to employ someone who’s faced challenges, but it’s extraordinary when that person becomes an essential part of your business’s success — and that’s exactly what we’ve experienced with (Homeless Garden Project) graduates.”
Beyond employment programs, Homeless Garden Project operates a 3.5-acre organic farm, community education programs and social enterprises — including a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program and a value-added product line. Over the past decade, 95% of Homeless Garden Project graduates have obtained employment and 88% have secured housing.
Santa Cruz and Shingu Celebrate 50 Years of Sister City Friendship
A Santa Cruz delegation recently returned from a weeklong visit to Shingu, Japan, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Sister City relationship between the two coastal communities.
Since 1975, Santa Cruz and Shingu have shared a deep cultural connection rooted in friendship, understanding and exchange. The 50th anniversary celebration honored this enduring partnership through ceremonies, community gatherings and shared reflections on peace and global cooperation.
“On behalf of the Mayor and the Santa Cruz City Council, I’m so grateful for the opportunity to share this meaningful moment in time,” said Councilmember Renée Golder in a release. Golder joined Councilmember Sonja Brunner in representing Santa Cruz. “Many of the problems we face in the world today arise from not taking the time to truly understand one another. When we embrace both our similarities and our differences, we create opportunities for empathy, collaboration, and peace.”
Education
Paulina Mendoza, of Watsonville, was named to the Summer 2025 President’s List at Southern New Hampshire University.
Aimee Gorin, of Watsonville, was named to the Summer 2025 President’s List at Southern New Hampshire University.
Margaret Baron, of Watsonville, was named to the Summer 2025 President’s List at Southern New Hampshire University.
Kareem Hyver, of Soquel, was named to the Summer 2025 President’s List at Southern New Hampshire University.
Lauren Beasley, of Santa Cruz, was named to the Summer 2025 President’s List at Southern New Hampshire University.
Steven Kater, of Santa Cruz, was named to the Summer 2025 President’s List at Southern New Hampshire University.
Taryn Ramlow, of Santa Cruz, was named to the Summer 2025 President’s List at Southern New Hampshire University.
Suzan Abboud, of Santa Cruz, was named to the Summer 2025 President’s List at Southern New Hampshire University.
Lacey Stefano, of Santa Cruz, was named to the Summer 2025 President’s List at Southern New Hampshire University.
Lauren Beasley, of Boulder Creek, was named to the Summer 2025 President’s List at Southern New Hampshire University.
Susana Huemmer, of Ben Lomond, was named to the Summer 2025 President’s List at Southern New Hampshire University.
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