Discover the Impact East New York Farms Has on Residents Like Terra Cabey

Dear Friend,
For Brooklyn resident Terra Cabey, an internship with East New York Farms turned into career and growth opportunities, finding a new passion, and years of leadership development!

United Community Centers (UCC) launched East New York Farms (ENYF) as a project to address food justice within East New York, by promoting local sustainable agriculture and community-led economic growth. Local teens benefit from this program by joining the ENYF internship program, where they work in UCC’s community gardens with their peers and farmers.

“I remember taking a trip to the garden as an elementary student and thought it was nice…When I entered the 9th grade I saw fliers for the internship program and thought why not?” Terra stated. Upon entering the internship program, Terra learned more about ENYF and was surprised and impressed with the hundreds of backyard and community gardens supported by ENYF and the project’s mission to provide fresh produce in a community that is considered a food desert. “There are mainly fast food restaurants in the area. There is a supermarket, but the fruit have mold on them, and one time I saw a rat running around. I did not like that, so I’m glad I joined the program,”

As an intern for ENYF, Terra learned how to plant and take care of garden crops such as cucamelon, flowers, corn, and herb beds– Terra’s favorite. “I enjoyed working on the herb beds because it led me to begin making tinctures,” Terra said excitedly. Herbal tinctures are great for relieving stress and boosting the immune system. Terra was able to create them by using vegetable glycerin and fresh herbs such as mint and basil. Creating tinctures at ENYF also increased Terra’s interest in environmental science. “Just last year I won an award at a citywide science fair, for teaching students how to make a tincture,”

Furthermore, Terra’s confidence has grown within the program. From communicating with local gardeners to now leading incoming ENYF interns, Terra has gained valuable leadership skills and experience. “I’ve learned a lot of people skills that I will take with me in the future. The program allowed me to talk more… Now I feel like I can even teach others,” Terra stated.

Now entering the 4th year of programming, Terra wants even more East New Yorkers to benefit from the program. “Having a local garden and access to fresh food should be normal for our community,” Terra wants the program to expand in the future and your tax-deductible donation can help make that happen. To learn more please visit www.cypresshills.org or join our efforts by donating HERE