Ways to Support the Growing Center

"Pure joy."

That's how one volunteer described the scene at the Growing Center, as she arrived during the Teddy Bear’s Picnic to set up for the poetry reading later that evening." It’s a hidden gem,” is how people describe the space. “It's a shame it’s not always open,” remarked a neighbor, visiting for the first time. “A well-kept secret,” say others.

The Somerville Community Growing Center Board has submitted a Conservation Preservation Act (CPA) grant proposal that, if funded, will make this 1/4 acre urban oasis in the heart of Somerville a resource that can be shared and used by the community well into the future. It won’t have to stay a secret if it can be renovated to support more frequent public use. But, we need your help to make this happen. Our proposal, the SCGC Rehabilitation and Restoration​ ​Implementation Project CPA FY18, will be reviewed by the CPA Board on Tuesday, January 16th at 7:00pm at the VNA at 259 Lowell Street, Somerville 02144. We are asking friends of the SCGC to SAVE the DATE!

On January 16th, the public will vote on which projects they would like to see funded by their city taxes. Therefore, we need our supporters to attend the CPA presentation so that we can show the board how important the Growing Center’s mission is to the city’s well-being.

2017 was a strong year of diverse programming! Maybe you were there to enjoy free yoga classes this summer or do a contemplate labyrinth walk on a full moon? Maybe you watched free movies on a Thursday night or sang at a Yiddish sing along. Perhaps you were lucky enough to catch the YouthQuake Theater perform their amazing version of “As You Like It.” We loved it! We had talks about pollinators and workshops about growing mushrooms; poetry nights and circle storytelling; playgroups for kids and relaxing time for adults; time to care for the garden and time to celebrate its seasons with the Maple Sugar Boil Down Fest or the Harvest Festival. The Growing Center is what people make of it - that is the beauty of the space.

2018 will be the Growing Center’s 25th anniversary! During this coming year, please consider a donation of your time and talents as a volunteer with the Friends of the Community Growing Center. Or, if you are in a position to offer financial support, that will help us to add a new part-time position of Site-Coordinator this year.

Please visit our website to learn more about the Friends group that manages the Center, how to volunteer or

other​ ways to give back! Happy Holidays!

Warmly, Friends of the Community Growing Center