What We Do:

Our Micro Enterprise Program – is where homeless and low-income persons earn a small stipend for their work in our gardens and creative workshop. While participants are helping to create crafts, art or products, they gradually attain a new understanding and respect for Earth, themselves and one another. Staff and volunteers help with basic life skills, accountability, employment training and goal setting. Program participants learn more about the interconnectedness of humans and nature. At GreenFingers, the participants find themselves centered in an accepting community, encouraged on their road to recovery. Many participants suffer from mental illness and addictions, and the interface with nature and the creative process is calming and healing. At different times of the year, different programs are on going, such as the Artists’ Workshop where participants may create their own art for pleasure or resale and the Floral Design Workshop where participants are trained for employment in that field. Whole Foods donates the flowers and materials for this workshop which has graduated 18 people over the last year. Six have obtained employment.

Trips into Nature

EarthLinks plans group trips for homeless and low-income individuals to the mountains, state parks or museums. A picnic lunch is always provided to accompany the discussions of wonder at the beauty of Nature. Idleness and the feeling of worthlessness plague homeless populations, and trips into nature and away from their surroundings, if only for a few hours, break the cycle of internal distress, and restore connection with Earth. Trips offer time away from everyday struggles and concerns by providing experiences in the city parks and in the mountains. Participants’ vision of the world and their part in it can grow, renewing their energy, their sense of connection, and their dignity. These revitalizing trips can help to enable participants to return refreshed and better able to face some of the chaos and challenges of life. Find out about our upcoming trips.

Urban Garden Projects

EarthLinks supports and maintains urban gardens at transitional housing locations. The residents of those facilities are encouraged to participate in the garden, and keep or consume anything grown there. Composting is encouraged. Gardens have been maintained at two Colorado Coalition for the Homeless residences- Beacon Place and Ruth Goebel House - and one for Mental Health Center of Denver.

Products

Products are created and produced from recycled materials when possible, and all are created with Earth in mind, such as Mason Bee Boxes and Rain Barrel/Drip Irrigation Systems. To see more of our great products and shop our on-line catalog click here.