Reflecting on the transformation of a parking lot into a green space including murals, seating and fresh grown food, Santa Ana resident and muralist Brian Peterson prayed the Garden of Hope would fulfill a bigger vision as a territory of hope and renewed life.
Joan Steen, one of the major supporters of this project, remarked, “It was heartwarming to see how the Garden of Hope evolved from a simple idea as a labor of love for Jesus and our neighbors.”
CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF ORANGE COUNTY LOOKS FORWARD TO SEEING HOW THE GARDEN OF HOPE WILL POSITIVELY IMPACT THE LOCAL COMMUNITY. PHOTO COURTESY OF CATHOLIC CHARITIES.
Like how the smallest seed can yield the most fruitful harvest, the Garden of Hope is already impacting the community in unprecedented ways, reaching another milestone earlier this month.
In the second week of February, CalFresh Healthy Living staff held their first cooking demonstration at the Garden of Hope using fresh lettuce from the garden to make delicious chicken lettuce wraps. In addition to typical packaged goods, underserved community members excitedly received fresh lettuce and grape tomatoes from the garden at the Cantlay Food Distribution Center. That same day, the Living Cross was installed at the Garden of Hope.
Flowers and foliage will be planted in the Cross “as a continual reminder of God’s blessing on this humble garden,” Steen explained.
Catholic Charities of Orange County looks forward to seeing how the Garden of Hope will continue to impact the community. On June 18, Catholic Charities will honor those who have made the garden possible at the Garden of Hope Dedication and Blessing by his Excellency, the Most Reverend Bishop Thanh Thai Nguyen.
To invest in the Garden of Hope project, go to ccoc.org and select the “Garden of Hope” tab, or text cultivator to 41444.
Catholic Charities is thankful for any and all contributions to make the garden a place of fellowship where people can learn about nutrition and healthy living.