Partnerships

MARIPOSA LEARNING AND RESEARCH CENTER:

HPI is partnering with Natural Systems Developers, LLC to create the Mariposa Learning and Research Center. NSD wil be breaking ground in May on Phase 1 while designing the balance of Mariposa EcoVillage near Amarillo, Texas. To our knowledge this will be the first modern community designed to be both ecologically and economically sustainable.

The Mariposa Learning and Research Center is a unique school focusing on contemporary issues and real-world solutions. Value will be created by offering meaningful, adaptive learning. The objectives are to teach contemporary and relevant skills for prosperity in today's world of dynamic economics and environment; to build demonstration projects; to serve as a learning center for residents of all ages in Mariposa EcoVillage; and to train a workforce in the skills and thinking that will address real-world issues related to food, water, shelter, energy and community. Currently, a school without walls, we have plans for a greenhouse and learning center on the Mariposa site in the near future.

This opportunity comes at a vital moment in earth's history. Explosive growth in energy use, uncertainty in securing basic needs such as housing and food, and changes in earth systems defines some of the critical decisions that face our citizens and communities right now. We need the information and the ability to make those decisions wisely. The Mariposa Learning and Research Center is created to train continuous learners and adaptive decision-makers.

2009 Day of Caring Project Announced
Community Garden to Feed "Kid's Kitchen"

United Way of Amarillo & Canyon announces that it will partner with The High Plains Institute for Applied Ecology (HPI) and the High Plains Food Bank (HPFB) for the 2009 DAY OF CARING. The project will assist in building of a Community Garden.

"This project has strong potential," stated Frankie Francel, Executive Director for United Way of Amarillo & Canyon. "Plans were discussed by The High Plains Institute for Applied Ecology, the High Plains Food Bank, and the Amarillo
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (AUUF) members earlier this year, with the dream of being able to supply fresh vegetables and fruit for Kid's Kitchen as well as other Food Bank members," continued Francel. "United Way was honored to be invited to be a small part of this community project."

Arzella Kay, HPI Executive Director stated, "The idea for a Community Garden was born earlier this year when HPI board member, Mary Emeny and HPFB Executive Director, Janie Singleton were brainstorming about starting a garden in order to have quality food for the Kid's Kitchen. At that time, they decided to co-host a permaculture workshop. Out of that workshop in February, a plan emerged. Credit for this plan must be given to several HPI board members who are also members of the Amarillo Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. These Fellowship members were aware of potential grant funding through the national UU Social Action Fund. Applying for that grant started the process."

"We see this project as the start of something big for the area. Local organic food production is an idea whose time has come. Good for our most at-risk, good for the environment, and good for community building, United Way will recruit other nonprofits and corporate sponsors to join together in what is reminiscent of an oldfashioned barn raising," continued Kay.

HPI's plans include that food from the garden will be distributed to help feed 1,000 at-risk children per day through the Food Bank's Kid's Kitchen Program. "Eventually, the vision is that other at-risk youth, homeless and elderly will benefit as other gardens start popping up across the area as our community moves toward sustainability," states Kay.

Plans are being finalized for United Way's 2009 Day of Caring which has historically involved hundreds of people from businesses, faith-based organizations and other groups across the city.

"United Way plans to recruit other partners from the nonprofit and for-profit sectors to provide the resources to make this project happen," states Kimber Bruns, Community Impact Director for United Way. "Plans include for volunteers to gather late this summer at the HPFB garden location at 810 Ross Street. It is intended that fences will be erected, a water catchment system will be put into place, raised beds will be constructed and trees and plants will be planted," continued Bruns. Soil preparation and design will begin on-site no later than June 1. Volunteers interested in participating in the early "dirty" work in preparation for Day of Caring may contact Eric Berg, AUUF volunteer coordinator at eric-berg@excite.com or Janie Singleton at the HPFB, Janie@hpfb.org.

Local expert permaculturist and irrigationist, Don Rael will be heading up the gardening design team. The HPI board will oversee the design of the water catchment system and training and oversight of teams for the Day of Caring.
"Of course, the Day of Caring is only a small piece of the project," Francel explained. "Therefore while United Way is proceeding with plans for our annual Day of Caring, HPI is making future plans which include offering permaculture
workshops to train and develop designers for future gardens."

HPI plans to become a Regional Outreach Training Center for Growing Power (see www.growingpower.org). HPI's Learning Center will begin with a greenhouse in order that greenhouse growing, aquaponics (raising fish) and vermiculture (worms for soil building) can be demonstrated and taught. It is hoped that in the near future, local food production could continue all year long. Circular systems of water use will be designed into the greenhouse so that the maximum amount of food can be produced with the least possible amount of water. HPI's expectation is that training in sustainable building methods will be able to be taught as the greenhouse and learning center is constructed.

"United Way of Amarillo & Canyon is excited that HPI invited our organization to participate in the Community Garden through our annual Day of Caring" stated Francel. "This project aligns with three of our targeted impact areas - Ensuring Basic Needs; Preparing Children to Succeed; and Building Financial Stability. United Way salutes all the individuals and organizations that have created the vision for this project and are determined to continue the Community Garden concept in order to positively impact our community."

To volunteer for the 2009 Day of Caring to take place later this summer, just contact United Way's Volunteer Action Center by dialing 2-1-1. You may also email desire@unitedwayama.org.

United Way of Amarillo & Canyon (UWAC) is a volunteer-driven and locally governed organization dedicated creating long lasting changes that prevent problems from happening in the first place. UWAC funds programs from a network of the most effective human services nonprofits in the area; mobilizes collaborative efforts to address our community's most pressing needs; and provides management assistance, and more to help nonprofits achieve maximum impact.

Direct services are provided to the community through 2-1-1 Texas and the Volunteer Action Center. UWAC is part of a system of 1300 local United Ways nationwide. Visit the website at www.unitedwayama.org.


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Our partnership with the High Plains Food Bank to build a community garden last year was highly successful! This year their projected yield is 64,000 pounds of organic produce! (See www.hpfb.org) In the spring of 2010 we are partnering/consulting with the following organizations for gardens at their sites: St. Peter’s Episcopal Church / West Hills Neighborhood Association, 4417 NW 4th (See growamarillo.com) The Maverick Boy’s and Girl’s Club, 1923 South Lincoln Street Mariposa ecoVillage, Soncy Road Margaret Wills Elementary School We are also in early conversations with three other groups about gardens. Check back later for updates.
MARIPOSA LEARNING AND RESEARCH CENTER: HPI is partnering with Natural Systems Developers, LLC to create the Mariposa Learning and Research Center. NSD wil be breaking ground in May on Phase 1 while designing the balance of Mariposa EcoVillage near Amarillo, Texas. To our knowledge this will be the first modern community designed to be both ecologically and economically sustainable. The Mariposa Learning and Research Center is a unique school focusing on contemporary issues and real-world solutions. Value will be created by offering meaningful, adaptive learning. The objectives are to teach contemporary and relevant skills for prosperity in today's world of dynamic economics and environment; to build demonstration projects; to serve as a learning center for residents of all ages in Mariposa EcoVillage; and to train a workforce in the skills and thinking that will address real-world issues related to food, water, shelter, energy and community. Currently, a school without walls, we have plans for a greenhouse and learning center on the Mariposa site in the near future. This opportunity comes at a vital moment in earth's history. Explosive growth in energy use, uncertainty in securing basic needs such as housing and food, and changes in earth systems defines some of the critical decisions that face our citizens and communities right now. We need the information and the ability to make those decisions wisely. The Mariposa Learning and Research Center is created to train continuous learners and adaptive decision-makers. 2009 Day of Caring Project Announced Community Garden to Feed "Kid's Kitchen" United Way of Amarillo & Canyon announces that it will partner with The High Plains Institute for Applied Ecology (HPI) and the High Plains Food Bank (HPFB) for the 2009 DAY OF CARING. The project will assist in building of a Community Garden. "This project has strong potential," stated Frankie Francel, Executive Director for United Way of Amarillo & Canyon. "Plans were discussed by The High Plains Institute for Applied Ecology, the High Plains Food Bank, and the Amarillo Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (AUUF) members earlier this year, with the dream of being able to supply fresh vegetables and fruit for Kid's Kitchen as well as other Food Bank members," continued Francel. "United Way was honored to be invited to be a small part of this community project." Arzella Kay, HPI Executive Director stated, "The idea for a Community Garden was born earlier this year when HPI board member, Mary Emeny and HPFB Executive Director, Janie Singleton were brainstorming about starting a garden in order to have quality food for the Kid's Kitchen. At that time, they decided to co-host a permaculture workshop. Out of that workshop in February, a plan emerged. Credit for this plan must be given to several HPI board members who are also members of the Amarillo Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. These Fellowship members were aware of potential grant funding through the national UU Social Action Fund. Applying for that grant started the process." "We see this project as the start of something big for the area. Local organic food production is an idea whose time has come. Good for our most at-risk, good for the environment, and good for community building, United Way will recruit other nonprofits and corporate sponsors to join together in what is reminiscent of an oldfashioned barn raising," continued Kay. HPI's plans include that food from the garden will be distributed to help feed 1,000 at-risk children per day through the Food Bank's Kid's Kitchen Program. "Eventually, the vision is that other at-risk youth, homeless and elderly will benefit as other gardens start popping up across the area as our community moves toward sustainability," states Kay. Plans are being finalized for United Way's 2009 Day of Caring which has historically involved hundreds of people from businesses, faith-based organizations and other groups across the city. "United Way plans to recruit other partners from the nonprofit and for-profit sectors to provide the resources to make this project happen," states Kimber Bruns, Community Impact Director for United Way. "Plans include for volunteers to gather late this summer at the HPFB garden location at 810 Ross Street. It is intended that fences will be erected, a water catchment system will be put into place, raised beds will be constructed and trees and plants will be planted," continued Bruns. Soil preparation and design will begin on-site no later than June 1. Volunteers interested in participating in the early "dirty" work in preparation for Day of Caring may contact Eric Berg, AUUF volunteer coordinator at eric-berg@excite.com or Janie Singleton at the HPFB, Janie@hpfb.org. Local expert permaculturist and irrigationist, Don Rael will be heading up the gardening design team. The HPI board will oversee the design of the water catchment system and training and oversight of teams for the Day of Caring. "Of course, the Day of Caring is only a small piece of the project," Francel explained. "Therefore while United Way is proceeding with plans for our annual Day of Caring, HPI is making future plans which include offering permaculture workshops to train and develop designers for future gardens." HPI plans to become a Regional Outreach Training Center for Growing Power (see www.growingpower.org). HPI's Learning Center will begin with a greenhouse in order that greenhouse growing, aquaponics (raising fish) and vermiculture (worms for soil building) can be demonstrated and taught. It is hoped that in the near future, local food production could continue all year long. Circular systems of water use will be designed into the greenhouse so that the maximum amount of food can be produced with the least possible amount of water. HPI's expectation is that training in sustainable building methods will be able to be taught as the greenhouse and learning center is constructed. "United Way of Amarillo & Canyon is excited that HPI invited our organization to participate in the Community Garden through our annual Day of Caring" stated Francel. "This project aligns with three of our targeted impact areas - Ensuring Basic Needs; Preparing Children to Succeed; and Building Financial Stability. United Way salutes all the individuals and organizations that have created the vision for this project and are determined to continue the Community Garden concept in order to positively impact our community." To volunteer for the 2009 Day of Caring to take place later this summer, just contact United Way's Volunteer Action Center by dialing 2-1-1. You may also email desire@unitedwayama.org. United Way of Amarillo & Canyon (UWAC) is a volunteer-driven and locally governed organization dedicated creating long lasting changes that prevent problems from happening in the first place. UWAC funds programs from a network of the most effective human services nonprofits in the area; mobilizes collaborative efforts to address our community's most pressing needs; and provides management assistance, and more to help nonprofits achieve maximum impact. Direct services are provided to the community through 2-1-1 Texas and the Volunteer Action Center. UWAC is part of a system of 1300 local United Ways nationwide. Visit the website at www.unitedwayama.org.