YSS Rooftop Gardens’ first class graduates

YSS Rooftop Gardens celebrated its first graduation in December, honoring the inaugural cohort of six who, through hands-on experience in hydroponic vertical gardening, learned essential skills while earning a living wage of $15/hour. Participants also received professional mentorship and help building resumes.

What’s next?

“I can’t wait to start working,” says LaRai with a wide smile. He already has a job. LaRai made a lasting impression on Marvin Azzopardi, the owner of Local Bites, a food court located in the Greater Des Moines Partnership Building.

During his second interview with Local Bites, LaRai offered to re-organize the refrigerator. “I said go ahead,” Marvin explains. “I’ve had chefs that have been involved with food for 30, 40 years that never put it together so well.”

Rooftop Gardens is an innovative workforce development program designed to empower youth aged 18-24 who have aged out of foster care or experienced homelessness. This social enterprise not only helps to empower youth but also prepares them to contribute meaningfully to their communities.

LaRai credits the Rooftop Gardens team for getting him ready for his second interview. The first one didn’t go as well. “I was honestly, just nervous,” LaRai said. But he worked with the team to build confidence all while gaining valuable employment experience.

“The team had a great attitude,” LaRai says. “That’s what makes you so grateful. Everybody takes the time to put into (the youth).”

While at Rooftop Gardens, youth gain skills in hydroponic gardening, preparing, planting, harvesting, packaging, and selling leafy greens. The site features six hydroponic Freight Farms within a state-of-the-art greenhouse.

“We see young people transform – not just in their skills, but in their confidence and outlook on the future,” says Samanthya Marlatt, YSS Director of Youth Empowerment and Youth Advocacy. “Watching participants take what they’ve learned here and step into meaningful employment is exactly why this program exists. Their success stories are a testament to their hard work and the power of hope and opportunity.”

Nyekaan, like LaRai, altered her path while at Rooftop Gardens.

When she joined the program, Nyekaan had little direction, no prior job experience, and was running low on opportunities. She kept pushing herself. During a workforce development session at Rooftop Gardens, Nyekaan met a local business owner, who was impressed by her determination. A conversation and a handshake later and Nyekaan had landed a job. Now she has stable employment and is building a brighter future.

Lee Johnson, a Senior Career Consultant with the Palmer Group, attended the graduation ceremony. She has been with the Palmer Group for nearly 19 years. She started volunteering with YSS in June.

“Participating in this cohort has been one of the best things I’ve done in my 35 years of being in employment,” Johnson said.

The success of LaRai, Nyekaan, and so many others is just the beginning. With the right support, young people who have faced unimaginable challenges can build brighter futures – but they can’t do it alone. Your donation to YSS Rooftop Gardens provides hands-on job training, mentorship, and life-changing opportunities for youth who need it most. Give today and be a part of their journey toward success.