Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/578674
in 2011, much to O'Grady's amazement. "[Whole Kids] funded a nonprofit that nobody even knew about, nobody trusted, and they were one of the first people to write a check," he remembered. "I thought that was very cool." Evans was equally impressed with him. "He has passion, vi- sion, and focuses on his relationship with the school to make sure the kids are getting a great experience," she said. MANY HANDS MAKE LIGHT WORK E nrich LA relies on community support. e Garden Rang- er program, a five-unit curriculum taught in six weeks, en- lists committed volunteers to build and maintain school gar- dens, and teach the students how to work with them. Last year only 40 percent of LA schools were paying from their budgets into the Garden Ranger Program; this year it has doubled to 80 percent—proof once again that the program is a viable asset to the school system. Armed with a background in agricultural education, Alexys omas began as a volunteer at Van Nuys Middle School shov- eling mulch and soil. She quickly rose in ranks from intern to Garden Ranger (instructor), to program director. "Tomás really believes in everyone who works for Enrich LA and val- ues everyone's opinions," said omas. "It's something I feel passionate about, so it's a privilege to work in the program." Ranger Hope Cox has an urban farm background as well as a degree in nutrition and dietetics. Her work with Enrich LA is to bring community awareness to health and wellness. "I want to have an impact on the next generation to be healthy," said Cox. She's been involved in 15 school gardens and discusses fresh food techniques with up to 100 students a day. Keeping an online diary on Enrich LA's website of what hap- pens in these garden areas connects Rangers with their com- munities. "At every school we write a synopsis of what we did and include two or three pictures. I don't always write about lessons; I pick out the best part of the day," Cox explained. "Like, it blows [students'] minds that a carrot grows in the ground, and a tomato on a vine." Enrich LA has 60 gardens running currently and their goal is to reach 100 by year's end. Expanding into non-school gardens, such as the Avalon Gardens Housing project, offers different possibilities. Plans are also afoot for a headquarters that will maintain a full garden, working farm, kitchen and beehive, and can host field trips. And at King, special educa- tion teacher David Egler integrates the garden into classroom activities with special-needs children. Our community and schools are indebted to Enrich LA, but from O'Grady's perspective, he's just doing his job. "I feel privileged that I came from nothing and invested well in my financial accounts, and now I'm investing in my karma account," he explained. "I'm really privileged to meet all these principals, teachers [and] volunteers who care so deeply. My life is great." october/november 2015 25