Harlem Grown

Harlem Grown’s programs are designed to use urban farms as living classrooms that facilitate hands-on, experiential, culturally-responsive lessons for youth which lead to meaningful experiences with nature and healthy living. They develop systems and policies to support staff and community members in order to meet people where they are and create opportunities to help them thrive. Ultimately, Harlem Grown envisions a Harlem where all future generations are empowered to advocate for their health, their community, and their planet.

Learn from them. During their 13 years of operation, Harlem Grown has served as a leader spearheading food justice, urban farming, sustainability, nutrition, and health.

Work with them. They are an equal opportunity employer, and are committed to creating a culture of inclusivity, where each individual feels as if their identity, experience, and values are represented and supported.

Lend them your skills. From internships to volunteering and community service, they have opportunities available for individuals High School-aged and up.

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Neveah Sealy is namely Tony Hillery’s muse for founding Harlem Grown, asking him to plant something in our garden 13 years ago as a kindergartener. This year Neveah graduated high school and will be starting her journey to University at Albany. "Harlem Grown is my foundation. As a child, I started going to Harlem Grown just to plant and have fun, but now I recognize it to be so much more. Harlem Grown transformed my learning by bringing classroom lessons to life and surrounding me with a supportive community. Tony's support, from fostering fond childhood memories to checking on me all the time, has shaped who I am today."

Inspired by Nevaeh’s enthusiasm for Harlem Grown, Neveah's mother Ms. Assanah became their earliest recurring volunteer, dedicating herself to Harlem Grown seven days a week. With Harlem Grown’s support, she has taught herself urban farming, hydroponics, and youth development education. Now, as the Agriculture Director, she celebrates her tenure with Harlem Grown, drawing upon her firsthand experiences and community connections to make a lasting impact.

As the self-proclaimed co-founder of Harlem Grown, Epiphany Adams is the first of the alums who grew alongside the organization for over a decade. Epiphany Adams, developed crucial skills through Harlem Grown programs, secured an internship with one of their major corporate partners after graduating from the University of Rochester and is entering the second year of her master's program at the University at Buffalo School of Social Work.

"While I have been with Harlem Grown since the beginning, Harlem Grown has stayed with me far beyond my time in the garden. This is the beauty of this wonderful organization. As we grow, we never outgrow Harlem Grown. It is a constant presence, and the foundation of the successes I continue to achieve as I grow older. Harlem Grown, thank you for not just shaping me, but an entire community."

David Nunez started his Harlem Grown journey six years ago. Since then, he has not only become a vital farmer but has immersed himself in the world of growing mushrooms in the most unconventional way.

"I am the Mushroom Man at Harlem Grown. Harlem Grown has truly transformed my life in the past six years, and I feel fortunate to do what I love everyday, especially when it involves serving my community, inspiring the youth within it, and being closer to nature. What is even more rewarding is being able to share this connection with my 5-year-old son, teaching him about the healthy foods and agriculture."

Melani Estevez joined Harlem Grown as an intern two years ago during her last semester at Barnard College, advancing to a coordinator position and earning a promotion to manager within only six months.

"All my life I've been very quiet yet I've found my voice thanks to Harlem Grown. Harlem Grown recognized a potential in me that I couldn't see in myself at the time – as a young professional, I possessed the capability to succeed but needed guidance and support to realize it fully. The guidance, empowerment, and trust given to me by Harlem Grown taught me the greatest lesson: to believe in myself. I've become a living representation of Harlem Grown's core belief – that low-income children deserve the opportunity to thrive and need access to the necessary tools to achieve it. My growth is a testament to Harlem Grown's dedication to transforming, not just our community but our exceptional team.”