Lions Give $120,000 to Common Roots Farm

On June 3, Common Roots Farm, a nonprofit in Santa Cruz where adults with disabilities help run the enterprise, hosted a ground-breaking for a barn to sustain operations.

As part of the ceremonies, Capitola Coast Lions Club and Lions International Foundation presented the farm a check for $120,000.

“The farm needs a barn, and our contribution will cover the expense for the barn’s roof. We are so thrilled to be able to help support this unique and extraordinary community service destination,” said Stan Weitzman, Lions International vice district governor.

He added, “Helen Keller, who was deaf and blind, gave Lions our mission. Providing selfless service and support to those in need is who we are and what we do.”

Common Roots Farm is an urban farm in the City of Santa Cruz, on a 7-acre historic agricultural parcel at 301 Golf Club Drive. Next to the farm and part of the enterprise are homes where 19 adults with developmental disabilities live, alongside UC Santa Cruz students and others.

The farm, established five years ago, offers meaningful community engagement to these residents, day program participants, special education students and others. Visitors and volunteers are always welcomed.

“The barn will enable operation yearround for people of all abilities to wash, pack, and store healthy farm produce and beautiful flowers for local sale,” said Heidi Cartan, executive director, Common Roots Farm. “We will have tool storage, a bouquet-making area and more. Common Roots also stewards a riparian habitat along Pogonip Creek.”

She added, “We are so thankful for the generosity of the members of Lions International but also eternally grateful for everyone in our community who has come together hand-in-hand to help make the farm and the much-needed barn a reality.”

Common Roots Farm is a low-till operation.

The farm provides farm skills training, paid internships to people with disabilities, individual and corporate volunteer opportunities, environmental and gardening education, traineeships, and micro-enterprise opportunities.

“I love working on the farm,” said wheelchair volunteer Noah Habib.

“And I work on the farm in memory of my “oma” (grandma)” said Noah’s friend, Thomas Kernot.

A variety of vegetables, herbs, fruit, and flowers are grown and sold to customers.

Bordering the farm on one side is a paved public street which provides vehicle and pedestrian access to Pogonip Park, a 640-acre open space reserve.

The barn on its open side will face the street so that a portion of the barn can be used to market and sell produce to the public.

Broader public awareness of Common Roots Farm is necessary for its long-term viability.

Service to Common Roots Farm is the primary focus of the “Join together” Lions specialty club, Capitola Coast. n youtube.com/watch?v=2eJzDWEuRWU

Learn more. Common Roots Farm: https:// commonrootsfarm.org and https://www.

Lions Clubs International: https:///lionsclubs.org