Growing Home’s Chicago job training program includes agriculture and horticulture training, Job Readiness training, comprehensive referral services, job search assistance and placement, and retention services. Interns are paid for their time in work and in class. The program is based on a transitional jobs model, which emphasizes setting career goals and making important life changes. If you would like to hire a graduate of our program please contact our Employment Specialist, Brad Hirn.

Transitional Employment

Interns play an important role in Growing Home’s organic agriculture social enterprise. Individuals receive on-the-job training in a professional and supportive environment to learn as they go. Generally, work involves planting, weeding, harvesting, processing, preparing CSA membership shares, building and grounds maintenance, staffing farmers’ markets and farm stands, and assisting with tours and special events. Work sites include the Wood Street Urban Farm and Honore Street Farm both in Englewood, the Su Casa Market Garden in Back of the Yards, the Les Brown Memorial Farm in Marseilles, the Green City Market in Lincoln Park, as well as, the Wood Street Urban Farm Stand in Englewood.

Education and Training

While at Growing Home participants will attend daily classes. The following is a general description of the subjects taught at Growing Home.

• Horticulture and Soils- Lessons typically consists of a lecture with in -class work and hands- on experiences in topics such as plant structure, healthy soils, organic farming practices, composting, season extension, and harvesting techniques;
• Job Readiness- Lessons assist participants in developing and/or enhancing their skills, writing resumes and cover letters, identifying and marketing transferable skills, interviewing, networking, communicating, using the internet, email, and Microsoft Word and setting goals/ priorities;
• Financial Literacy- Lessons help individuals develop and/or improve their skills concerning spending, budgeting, handling credit issues, and taking consumer actions;
• Food Systems- An exploration of the challenges related to modern food production and consumption. Lessons help students understand the environmental, political, social, and economic impacts of industrial agriculture;
• Nutrition- Focus on preparing dishes containing fresh produce, examining diet related diseases and their prevention, identifying and shopping for healthy options;
• Personal Narrative Writing- Growing Home provides opportunities for reflective writing and peer reviewing and editing.

If you are interested in becoming a Growing Home intern, please read the Apply for Job Training page.