Page 12 - 2019GriffinConnection

A project called Seeds of Service began in 2012,
immediately after Hurricane Sandy and was a relief
effort geared towards those who were most affected
by the hurricane. Many families were homeless
and others suffered property massive losses.
Though their efforts towards helping Sandy victims
haven’t ended yet, the project itself has now
branched into a multifaceted, self-sustaining
charity that has helped more than 10,000 families,
with programs geared towards development,
self-sustainability, and local improvement.

Seeds of Service has several notable development
Submitted by GrIFFIn connEcTIon reporter: programs, allowing everyone to help. One of these
Samantha Gilmore ‘19 programs, the Structured Learning Program, allows
high school students with disabilities to assist with
the project during school hours. “It’s like a family,”
says Developmental Director Moira Edge, “many of
our volunteers come back even after finishing the
program.” The staff and students work together to
create an uplifting environment where everyone
can learn and grow. The program focuses on
unconventional learning, allowing the students to
learn while serving their community.
11 One of the most notable aspects of Seeds of Service

is their ‘free-choice’ food pantry. Immediately upon
entering, one sees a plethora of foods lining colored
shelves, which represent different food groups.
Families can pick a certain number of items per
colour based on the number of people in the
household. When asked why this was important,
Joann Mokracek answered “We allow them a free
choice of what they want to eat. It adds dignity to
the process. '' Besides a free choice policy, the
food pantry has several other components. Their
pet pantry, a space to grab dog and cat food, is
one of only 7 on the East Coast. They also offer
fresh fruits and vegetables, hygiene products, and
frozen goods, a rare find at other food pantries.

The charity has expanded into outreach and
sustainability programs. These programs help
those affected by homelessness, job loss or other
conditions. Services assist on an individual level
and include resume help, help finding housing,
and help navigating various resources. “We help
people on an individual basis,” says Executive
Director Christie Winters, “we listen to their stories
and discourage shaming”. She then explained that
homelessness can strike in an instant and is not