Cover Story:

The Garden: Encouraging Families to Grow Healthy and Independent

A story from Lonnie Eugene, Resident Manager, CFS Transitional Apartments

In late 2015 we began a project at our apartment complex serving families affected by domestic violence. We wanted to improve the space surrounding the building, to teach organic gardening for healthier foods, and most of all, to save families some money.

Due to limited space we decided on container gardening to fulfill gardening passions and make it easier for those who are physically challenged. We gathered containers that we found on sidewalks and created a compost section where leaves from the property were gathered and food garbage was mixed in to create mulch.

The garden is growing, our families are creating this project with their kids, and we are all sharing the food. We have strawberries, beans, sweet potatoes, asparagus, and all the herbs you can imagine. You need green onions? Go pick some. One of our past tenants even planted flowers.

This is a community garden, cared for by our own CFS families. Neighbors have offered their leaves for compost, as well as fresh fruit to create organic juices so that we don’t need to purchase them at the store.

Food isn’t the only thing growing. We’re “growing” independent families who get peace and pleasure from getting their hands a little dirty—and the food we harvest and cook is simply a bonus.

More information on the transitional housing for domestic Violence

Mahalo to the Foundations supporting our programs from July to December 2015.
CFS Domestic Abuse Shelters & Transitional Apartments
• The A. C. Kobayashi Family Foundation
• Ellen M. Koenig Memorial Fund of the Hawai‘i Community Foundation
• Soroptimist International of Waikiki
• The Mary Kay Foundation

New Possibilities Volume 2016 Issue 1

Cover: The Garden: Encouraging Families to Grow Healthy and Independent
P1: President & CEO’s Message
P2: Moving from Poverty to Self-Sufficiency
P3: Program for Families Continues, Thanks to the Stronger Families Fund®
P4: Sexual Assault Resources, Kaua‘i Backpack Brigade, and NPW video
P5: Young Donor Believes in New Beginnings
P6: Foundation Gifts & Grants (July 2015 – December 2015)
Back Cover: CFS Guild Creates Family Success