User:RahalMccall69
Besides the shelter, produce from the treatment center's garden is donated to the Veggie Van, operated by students from Lafayette College in cooperation with the West Ward Neighborhood Partnership. The Veggie Van has been so successful that students struggle to keep up with the demand. The opportunity to have this program at the county level is <a href=http://www.avanttravel.com/page.php?sale=Michael-Kors-Silver-Watches>Michael Kors Silver Watches</a> unique, said Arnold Matos, director of corrections at the treatment center. This is usually only developed in state facilities. Since the prison did not have open land for a garden, the decision was made to have the garden at the West Easton Treatment Center. Landowner Abe Atiyeh donated the land, and the Parks Department joined the effort by bringing their equipment over to turn the soil.James Kostura, deputy warden, Community Corrections, took direction of the garden project. Kostura said he gives much credit to the officers at the treatment center, who really bought into the idea and got the project off the ground.Residents are employed in the garden, which not only helps to keep them occupied, but also teaches them about giving back, Buskirk said. It's hard work at first, but when they see the fruits of their labor later, you can see on their faces it was all worth it, he said.One resident <a href=http://www.avanttravel.com/page.php?sale=Michael-Kors-Python>Michael Kors Outlet</a> agreed. It's a passion of mine, and it's calming, he said.The contributions from the community garden help feed the 22 men and 12 women that Safe Harbor has the capacity to house overnight, as well as drop-ins who receive meals and social rehabilitation services at the shelter during the day.Matos says this project is all about being good neighbors in the community. Safe Harbor has been there for the county, he said. And we want to be able to give back to them. In the future, Buskirk <a href=http://www.radiorcs.com/page.php?sale=Kate-Spade-Leather-Tote>Kate Spade Leather Tote</a> said, the Department of Corrections administration hopes to get the community more involved in the garden. They would like to see county residents coming to the garden to help out as well as plant their own produce. The administration is also reaching out to other food banks in the Lehigh Valley in efforts to expand their donations. Next year our goal is to cover all of Easton, Buskirk said. It's been a great success so far. Christy Potter is a freelance writer. Copyright 2014,