Before coming to Growing Home, Jayna stepped away from school and work to focus on her mental and physical health. When she felt ready to return, she discovered our 12-week Employment Training Program at a job fair in Chicago’s Chatham neighborhood and was immediately drawn to its blend of urban farming and workforce development.

From the start, Jayna’s passion for social justice and environmental advocacy stood out. On the farm, she embraced hands-on learning; in the classroom, she connected deeply with the Community Organizing & Leadership curriculum, reflecting that “personal power becomes people power when each individual first recognizes their own agency.”

With coaching and encouragement from our team, Jayna applied for a role she initially doubted she was qualified for and got the job. Today, as an Urban Agriculture Plan Organizer, she leads outreach and community engagement efforts across Chicago, blending grassroots organizing with her commitment to environmental justice.