ReGrowth

ReGrowth, part of the Southeast Quality of Life (QoL) Plan, is a community-driven initiative focused on grassroots collaboration through community gardening, workforce development, and neighborhood revitalization.

Originally developed through the Southeast Quality of Life Plan, ReGrowth began as a neighbor-driven employment program designed to connect justice-involved young adults with meaningful work while addressing food insecurity across Southeast Indianapolis. In partnership with Keys2Work and a network of community organizations, participants gained hands-on experience working in community gardens while building valuable personal and professional skills.

Over the years, ReGrowth crews have supported community gardens throughout Southeast Indianapolis, learning every stage of the growing process—from preparing garden beds and planting seeds to harvesting produce and maintaining garden spaces. Alongside gardening skills, participants developed leadership, teamwork, time management, financial literacy, and workforce readiness through weekly Lunch & Learns, coaching opportunities, and community engagement.

Community gardens we’ve worked with:

  • Hanna Commons Gardens

  • The Elaine Gardens

  • Fountain Square Community Gardens

  • Helping Hands Gardens

  • Fletcher Place Community Gardens

  • Adelante Schools at Emma Donnan Elementary & Middle School

  • UIndy Community Garden

Partners and collaborators:

  • Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Indianapolis

  • Keys2Work

  • Southeast Community Services (SECS)

  • Purdue Extension

  • Second Helpings

  • Persimmon Herb School

  • Earth Charter Indiana

  • Fountain Square Alliance

ReGrowth in 2026

ReGrowth is entering an exciting new chapter in 2026. This year, SEND, in partnership with the Fountain Square Alliance and LISC, is transforming a vacant lot on Palmer Street into a vibrant community garden and pollinator habitat. This new green space will provide fresh food for residents, support native pollinators, and serve as a welcoming gathering place for the neighborhood.

Participants in the ReGrowth program will take part in an eight-week hands-on learning experience centered on community development, placemaking, and environmental stewardship. Throughout the program, participants will:

  • Learn how to design, build, and maintain a community garden that serves as a valuable neighborhood resource.

  • Explore sustainable food production and the role community gardens play in improving food access and strengthening neighborhood connections.

  • Discover the importance of creating welcoming "third spaces"—places outside of home and work where people can gather, build relationships, and foster community.

  • Gain hands-on experience with native landscaping and pollinator-friendly gardening practices that promote biodiversity and environmental sustainability.

By the end of the program, participants will have helped create a lasting community asset while developing practical skills and a deeper understanding of how green spaces can strengthen neighborhoods, improve environmental health, and bring people together.

To learn more about ReGrowth or get involved, contact Lacia Coons.

Provide infrastructure, education, and job opportunities in the food system.

Program Goals

Increase collaboration, capacity, and yield in community gardens.

Equip program participants with skills in community building, food justice, and cultivation.

“Through learning opportunities in the gardens, the crew in the program give back to the community. They gain skills to help maintain, harvest, and distribute produce from community gardens in our neighborhood. While planting the seeds in the gardens, it is planting seeds to help with the transition of those in our program into life in the community.”
— Levia Heffner, Regrowth Garden Supervisor
“ReGrowth is about more than gardens and produce; it’s about reconnecting to the community. It may start off with a garden, but it expands into more.”
— Regrowth Participant
“ReGrowth has helped me in so many ways. It’s taught me about gardening, it’s taught me patience, and it’s helped me work through personal issues. ReGrowth has prepared me to get a job in the field I plan on making a career out of.”
— Regrowth Participant