On the lot of the Victory Mission’s Shelter for Men, sits a 4,000 square foot garden. For the past five years Victory and Springfield Community Gardens have worked together to grow food and life-skills for those leaving prison and poverty. Now, the garden is able to extend their growing season with the addition of a greenhouse.

The goal of the community garden is three-fold; provide healthy meals, teach people how to grow their own food, and include neighbors looking for a way to give back to the local community.

Daily, Victory Mission serves over 120 meals to people who are working to rebuild their lives. Now, they have the ability to use fresh food from the garden is being used in meals.

Dyllan Dale oversees the garden, as well as the food services at Victory Mission. He has witnessed firsthand the opportunities Victory Mission provides to men, “After rebuilding my life through the Restoration program at Victory Mission, I was given the opportunity to come back.”

The garden is continuing to grow thanks to the success of the program. Under Dale’s leadership, Victory’s headquarters is adding a greenhouse, thanks to a donation from the Growing Access Grant from Festival of Sharing. The mild winter season, along with the new greenhouse, is extending the growing season.

The garden workdays are held monthly on the fourth Saturday from 9-11 a.m. at Victory Shelter on 1610 N. Broadway Ave. For those interested in volunteering, email infor@victorymission.com or call 417-864-2200.