Spring into 2025 with Sustaining Way!
Featured:
- A Moment with our ED
- Upcoming Events & Programs
- Recent Event Spotlight
- Volunteer & Job Opportunities
| A Moment with our ED |
Dear Friends,
I hope this message finds you well and filled with hope for our collective future. As the Executive Director of Sustaining Way, I want to take a moment to address some pressing issues faced by our distressed frontline communities, including Nicholtown and New Washington Heights in Greenville, as well as Spartanburg’s Southside and Una Arcadia Saxon and College Park Communities.
Affordability remains a critical challenge for many families in our areas. The rising cost of living, coupled with stagnating wages, has put immense pressure on our community members. That’s why it is imperative that we work towards solutions that ensure affordable housing is accessible to all.
Sustainability is at the heart of our mission. By integrating energy efficiency and renewable energy sources into our housing initiatives, we can reduce energy costs for families. This not only saves money but also contributes to a healthier planet for generations to come. Our commitment to eco-friendly practices is about creating an environment where our families can thrive.
Healthy lifestyles are crucial for the well-being of our community. Indoor air quality, in particular, is often overlooked. Improving ventilation and reducing pollutants can have a significant positive impact on health. We are working with local organizations to enhance indoor environments through awareness and practical solutions.
Moreover, culturally appropriate nutritious food is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. We recognize that access to fresh, locally-sourced food is vital for our communities. By supporting local farmers and promoting community gardens, we can help ensure that everyone has access to the nutritious foods they deserve.
Together, we can create a future that is not only affordable and sustainable but filled with opportunities for healthy living. I invite all of you to participate in our upcoming community forums where we will discuss these issues and brainstorm solutions together.
Please consider becoming a sustaining financial supporter as a vital part of carrying out our mission and consider volunteering in our programs. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to creating resilient communities. Let’s keep moving forward, hand in hand.
Warm regards,
Michael D. Brown, Executive Director Sustaining Way
| Upcoming Events & Programs |
| Recent Event Spotlight |
Spring Open House
On March 29th, Sustaining Way hosted our first Open House Block Party of the Year at Annie’s House. In addition to recognizing some of our most dedicated volunteers, we had solar quality education with our Sustainable Education VISTA Abbi, Solar panel demos with our energy team, Preston & Yarelis, a fresh herb sale, and garden tours of Annie’s House!
Hoop House Installation
In March, a hoop house was installed at the Annie’s House garden. What’s a hoop house, you ask? It’s a super simple, tunnel-shaped greenhouse that helps extend the growing season, protect plants from the elements, and support year-round food production. Our hoop house will make it easier to continue growing food even in the winter months.
We want to extend a heartfelt thanks to Boy Scout Troop 412 and Connor Garrett’s Eagle Scout Project. Connor, along with his parents, Taylor, a troop leader, and Diana, led an incredible team that included dedicated volunteers Anthony Lowdenback, Ed Raines, Matt Fessler, Lucas MacDonald, and Mindy Tam. From building a retaining wall to filling and leveling the dirt to assembling the hoop house, this hardworking crew put in a full day from 8 AM to 5 PM, all under beautiful 70-degree skies.
| Volunteer & Job Opportunities |
Hands On Greenville Day!
Sustaining Way proudly participated as a host site for Hands on Greenville (HOG) Day hosted by United Way! Spanning over 150 volunteers across five sites, folks working with us contributed to our mission in a variety of ways including weeding, mulching, planting, installing a compost system, building our hoop house irrigation, and so so much more!
🚨We’re Hiring: Community Engagement VISTA 🚨
We’re Hiring! Join Our Team as a Community Engagement VISTA!
Are you passionate about community, sustainability, and making a real impact? Sustaining Way is looking for a Community Engagement VISTA to help build stronger connections in Nicholtown and New Washington Heights!
What You’ll Do:
- Increase community engagement in our programs & events
- Strengthen partnerships with local organizations & businesses
- Grow our volunteer program and make it more impactful
- Help expand donor & partner support
Term of Service: June 2025 – June 2026
Compensation: AmeriCorps living allowance, benefits + a housing stipend
Deadline to Apply: April 30th, 2025 @ 10 a.m.
Ready to make a difference? Apply now by emailing your resume & cover letter to fernanda@sustainingway.com
🌟WE NEED CHICKEN VOLUNTEERS!🌟
Free on Saturday evenings and want to become a chicken volunteer??
You’ll need to:
-> Volunteer 1x/week to get the chickens at our demonstration site, Annie’s House, inside their coop before dark. 🐓
-> To do this, you’ll put chicken food in the coop house to lure them inside, then close the main door and automatic door once they’re all in! 🐣
Interested? Message camille.hoover@sustainingway.com to get involved! 🌱
🐷🍞ISO Pigs!🐷🍞
🚨 We have way too much bread and need your help!
If you or someone you know has pigs (or another creative way to use stale bread that we can’t compost), let us know! Help us keep good food out of the landfill and put it to good use. Email hello@sustainingway.com if interested!
🌻 April: Volunteer Appreciation Month 🌻
Volunteers are central to everything we do at Sustaining Way. Whether it’s working in the garden, providing education as a topic expert, or assisting with food distributions, our volunteers are valued members of our community. This April, during Volunteer Appreciation Month, we are spotlighting Janice Lasker, a dedicated Sustaining Way volunteer, through a profile written by Sustaining Way storyteller, Summer Meares. You can read more about Janice here.
Interested in volunteering but not sure where to start? Check out our Volunteer Here page or drop in to our open garden volunteer hours outlined below!
🍄🟫Volunteer Site Operations Coordinator🍄🟫
Speaking of volunteers, we’re on the lookout for a Volunteer Site Operations Coordinator to join our Sustaining Way team! The Volunteer Site Operations Coordinator will support staff in carrying out Sustaining Way’s mission of empowering individuals and communities to bring about a sustainable and equitable future. This position includes supporting site operations, standards, and organization, and assisting Sustaining Way staff to ensure the Annie’s House site is up to standard. You’ll play a key part in making our beloved Annie’s House site shine as brightly as our mission! Check out the job description and application instructions at this link!
📝Join our Steering Committees
Interested in getting involved more in community activism in 2025? Fill out our Governance Application to be considered for a role on one of Sustaining Way’s Steering Committees!
♥️Make a Lasting Difference♥️
Join Our Monthly Giving Program
Become a Sustainer of Sustaining Way! Any monthly donation, whether $5 or $500, provides essential support for our life-changing programs, and provides us with consistent income so we can better focus our efforts on our mission. These monthly donations make a huge difference to us. Donors receive benefits like a produce card to use at our garden, reusable and sustainable goodies, or even a free Backyard Garden Install!
We appreciate donations of any amount, and similar to monthly Sustainer donations, your contribution helps to back our programs and initiatives, and ultimately our mission to use education, collaboration and advocacy to create sustainable, caring, and equitable communities for current and future generations.
Visit this page for quick access to important links, or check out our website for more information