Dear Community Members and Friends,

I am writing this letter to honor and express deep gratitude for Orrin Williams, whose incredible vision and dedication were instrumental in bringing Growing Home, Inc. to the Englewood neighborhood. Because of his unwavering commitment, our community gained more than just a hidden farm, it gained a powerful sanctuary of growth, fresh opportunities, and second chances.

Long before urban agriculture became a recognized movement on Chicago’s South Side, Orrin saw the vital connection between the food we eat and the vitality of our neighborhood. As a coordinator and leader, his driving force was simple yet profound: to give everyone access to high-quality nutrition and healthier ways of living. He understood that providing high-quality calories and fresh produce could structurally transform a community from the ground up.

Orrin has been an intregral part of Growing Home’s Leadership Council since its inception. The Leadership Council is composed of individuals who have supported Growing Home in a significant way, whose expertise is of great value to our work, or who are interested in contributing their time and talent towards the success of the Greater Englewood community. This network is made up of our closest and strongest fundraisers, advisors, partners, volunteers, and advocates. 

But Orrin’s true legacy isn’t just found in the soil or the crops; it lives on in the people he empowered. Through Growing Home’s transitional jobs program, he championed individuals who needed a second chance including neighbors overcoming addictions or navigating past criminal records. He created a space where people could learn a valuable trade, set ambitious goals, and look toward the future with absolute dignity. He showed us all that when you nurture the land, you nurture the soul of the community.

Englewood is stronger, healthier, and more deeply connected because Orrin Williams believed in its potential and worked faithfully to sow the seeds of lasting change. We owe a great deal of the thriving green spaces and community pride we enjoy today to his foundational leadership. You are already missed my friend, rest well Sir. No matter what Orrin was always available to lend his expertise and intellectual knowledge to anyone who was willing to listen. Job Well Done!

With heartfelt appreciation,

LaQuandra Fair & The Growing Home Team