Summertime with Sustaining Way
Featured:
- Backyard Garden Program Update
- Upcoming Events & Programs
- Summer at Sustaining Way
- Volunteer & Job Opportunities
| Backyard Garden Program Update |
In a monumental step towards replicating Sustaining Way’s programs in additional communities across the state of South Carolina, we are proud to announce the installation of the first Backyard Garden in Spartanburg! The Backyard Garden Program helps people grow fresh food at home, learn sustainable gardening skills, and connect with their community. Sustaining Way provides all the materials, installation, and education needed free of cost to residents who qualify.
Rhonda, who is already passionate about gardening and excited to begin, now has fresh tomatoes, peppers, and basil growing right in her backyard. Interested in learning more or applying for the Backyard Garden Program? Click the button below to be redirected to the application form.
| Upcoming Events and Programs |
| Summer at Sustaining Way |
Meet the young people shaping the future – Intern Spotlight☀️
We are proud to have hosted five hardworking college interns this summer! Below, meet the future changemakers who’ve been making a difference in Greenville communities:
Will Hutson
“I am working as the Community Health Intern with Sustaining Way through the Institute of the Advancement of Community Health at Furman this summer. I primarily work on the Nicholtown Community Health survey that is administered to help Sustaining Way update their programs and measure changes in the community. I learned how tricky it can be to ask the right questions in a survey, and how dependent it is on timing and current events. I also learned how to garden, which was so much fun to learn! My favorite memory from the summer was my first garden work day, where I got to know some of the staff and volunteers while working in the garden!”
Amiya Young
“I am working through the Riley Institute at Furman University as an intern with Sustaining Way, focusing on researching gentrification in the Nicholtown area. During my internship, I have had the opportunity to meet with various community members, Greenville leaders with expertise in housing, nonprofit leaders, and local government officials to explore the challenges of affordable housing and displacement. I have gained valuable insights into how Sustaining Way can better support the community and preserve the rich history of the neighborhood. One of my favorite memories from this summer was having lunch with Mrs. Sylvia Palmer, a lifelong Nicholtown resident, and Ms. Carolyn Wilson, the Community Engagement Manager at Genesis Homes. Afterwards, they gave me a detailed tour of Nicholtown, which was a wonderful experience that deepened my understanding of the area’s history and the changes it has undergone.”
Nia Drummond
“I am the Sustainable Education Intern with Sustaining Way, and I work with the Steward Youth Program to help execute lessons on sustainability with Education VISTAs Abbi and Oscar. Something I have learned throughout my time is that the term ‘sustainability’ is an umbrella that covers so many more topics than what first comes to mind when hearing that word. My favorite summer memory was visiting Southern First Bank with the Steward Youth Program. We got to learn about financial literacy.”
Hannah Rowan
“I’m serving as the Agriculture Intern at Sustaining Way this summer! I’m a senior at Furman University studying Sustainability Science and Data Analytics, so my time thus far with Sustaining Way has been a great way to expand my understanding of sustainable agriculture practice in the non-profit sector. I spend most of my time leading volunteers in the garden at Annie’s House and working together with the community to grow healthy, sustainable food for the Nicholtown Community. One of my favorite parts of the job is interacting with the local residents through volunteering and distributing food every Thursday to the Nicholtown residents. I find the hands-on, interpersonal aspects of the job to be the most fulfilling parts of my work.”
Shekinah Sanchez
“I serve as the Community Engagement Intern at Sustaining Way through Greenville Tech. I help with the weekly produce distribution by assisting with unloading, packing, and finally distributing to the community members. Additionally, I was a part of Sustaining Way’s Steward Fellows Summer Program and found that separate experience very enlightening when it came to learning about sustainability. I have sharpened many skills during my time as an intern, such as interpersonal skills, gardening, and even marketing skills! I learned to connect people to each other in a collaborative way. My favorite memories from the summer were the fun times I had during the Steward Fellows Summer Program, specifically the days when we were introduced to community leaders within sustainability-based fields.”
Sweet Summer Memories in the Steward Fellows Program 💗🌱
Over the last two months, 14 youth spent six weeks learning sustainability, responsibility, and community.
“Because of this program, I don’t feel how I used to feel. I don’t feel weird when I stare too long at the leaves that I now know the names of. Or when I listen more closely to the birds and the bugs that I can now recognize the sound of. I don’t feel weird about being curious about things in nature that may seem insignificant to a lot of people. Despite having a natural interest in nature, I used to think that there wasn’t a place for me in Nature Conservation. I would think there must be someone better suited for it. Someone as dedicated as Steve Irwin. Or Greta Thunberg. But, no, I was wrong. I know so much now. So if not me, then who? If not now, then when? This experience has empowered me enough to go and study Nature Conservation. So, when I’m in nature, I won’t just look at it and see its beauty but also see the way it works, where it’s from, why it exists. And in my own way, help protect it.”
– 2025 Steward Fellow Graduate, Shekinah Sanchez
Enjoy seeing those happy faces? Consider donating to our Future Steward Fund to support fun, life-changing educational opportunities for local scholars!
| Volunteer and Job Opportunities |
June Volunteer of the Month🌺
Regardless of the weather or location of our Friday garden workday, Julie is always there to help plant seeds, pull weeds, or harvest vegetables for the community. Her joy radiates through the garden, and her funny stories never fail to make us laugh. We are thankful for Julie’s consistent service and are proud to recognize her as June Volunteer of the Month!
A Bright Future: Celebrating Board Member Liz Gilman 💖
Since her earliest memories of walking on the beach in Australia, Liz has always been in love with the outdoors. She is a passionate fly fisher and enjoys all things outside. Liz has served as Sustaining Way’s Secretary and Board Member, and recently, she has hosted Saturday morning yoga in the Annie’s House garden. As Liz accepts a new out-of-state job, a clear step forward in what is to be a thriving career, we wish her the best of luck on her journey and thank her for her years of service with Sustaining Way!
“My time working with Sustaining Way was filled with love, growth, and deep connection. I had the privilege of learning from and growing close to an incredible community rooted in care, resilience, and purpose. One of the most beautiful ways to close out my tenure was by starting a community yoga class – investing in health and wellness together, surrounded by the garden and the people who made this work so meaningful. It was a truly special chapter in my life.” – Liz Gilman
When people like Liz pour into Sustaining Way’s Board or Steering Committee meetings, we create clearer, more impactful programs for local communities. Fill out our Governance Application by clicking the button below to be considered for a role at Sustaining Way. It’s about a one-hour monthly commitment where you share your expertise, feedback, and ideas for our programs.
Thanks for reading! The Steward Fellows say to stay cool! ☀️🆒