On Tuesday, July 6th, Greyston President and CEO Joe Kenner publicly announced the transition of management of its Yonkers Community Gardens program to the Yonkers YMCA.
“As Greyston has been looking to double down on its mission to unlock the power of human potential through inclusive employment, we see the gardens as being a great fit with the Y’s commitment to health, wellness and equity. We’re excited that the gardens will be in such good and capable hands”
– Joseph Kenner
The formal transition of the Community Block Grant-funded (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) Community Gardens Program took place July 1; the YMCA will now administer the Community Gardens’ annual block grant. There are 12 community gardens in Yonkers — Buena Vista Avenue Community Garden; Steve Whetstone Community Garden; Stanley Avenue Tansey Park-Community Garden; Ashburton Community Garden; St. Peter’s Day Care Community Garden; The Oak Street Community Garden; Bernie’s Community Garden; Warburton Community Garden; Woodworth Max & Braun Community Garden; Valentine Lane Montessori School 27-Community Garden; Walnut Community Garden; and Henry Rivera Community Garden at Greenway Park.
“The YMCA is thrilled to receive and build upon an incredible program that Greyston has nurtured for many years. At the Y we understand fundamentally that building and sustaining community is key to people’s health and wellbeing. The gardens will be a natural extension of our work in health and wellness, as well as community building. We look forward to continuing the work of all garden volunteers, partners and the City to maintain the vibrance of the gardens program.”
– Yonkers YMCA President and CEO Lucria Ortiz
WATCH THE CEREMONY BELOW
Stay up to date with the Yonkers Community Gardens at https://yoymca.org/