Berkshire Farm Center and Services for Youth raised over $37,000 at its 18th annual Plant Sale on the organization’s residential campus in Canaan, NY, all proceeds going directly to support students in its Workforce Development Program. [private]
Students participating in the Horticulture program sold flowers, herbs and vegetables they grew from seeds and seedlings to the sale’s customers, many of them longtime friends of Berkshire who look forward to the event each year.
Sales from the campus greenhouses, house-produced maple syrup, and pies and brownies baked by staff help to sustain Workforce Development and ensure that Berkshire can continue to provide the crucial work experience that the program provides for its students. Berkshire enjoyed this year’s turnout, which made it possible for members of the local community to get to know students as they ran the cash register and helped to load purchases into customers’ cars.
“This was my first visit to the plant sale and it was well worth the trip,” said Paula Consolini, area resident and Director for the Center for Learning in Action at Williams College. “The selection, display, quality and price of the plants were exceptional—better than any professional greenhouse I’ve visited. I was provided help by very gracious and knowledgeable students at every turn.”
Each year, Berkshire’s Plant Sale is a celebration of both the students’ hard work over the past year and the longstanding partnership between Berkshire and the local community. Berkshire is happy to be able to bring its neighbors, friends, and students together for this year’s sale.
“I want to thank our community members, staff, and youth workers for their dedication to our program,” said Bruce Wood, Agricultural Science Coordinator at Berkshire.
“They are the ones who make our program strong—our volunteers who help us out during the year and at the Plant Sale. Thank you to everyone who has supported us this year and in the past.”
From Plattsburgh to Long Island and Buffalo to Canaan, Berkshire Farm Center and Services for Youth provides innovative programs that strengthen New York State’s vulnerable children and families so they can live safely, independently, and productively in their home communities. Berkshire’s full continuum of care offers home-based family preservation, foster care, group home, residential treatment, and drug and alcohol treatment services.[/private]