Planting Seeds of Growth and Resilience

In 2024, Molly, secured the GrowMoreGood Garden Grant for The Children’s Guild DC Charter School. Funded by Scotts Miracle-Gro in partnership with KidsGardening, this grant supports Molly’s ongoing efforts to create enriching, hands-on learning experiences through school gardening and environmental education.

Our Garden Program Mission

The garden at The Children’s Guild DC Charter School is a nurturing, inclusive space where all students—especially those with Multiple Disabilities, ADHD, or Autism—can grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Rooted in a holistic approach to learning, the program supports:

  • Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Aligned with IEP goals, the garden helps students build confidence, emotional awareness, and decision-making skills.

  • Sensory Engagement: Designed with neurodiverse learners in mind, the space offers sensory-rich experiences that promote focus, endurance, and occupational therapy development.

  • Cognitive Growth: Hands-on activities enhance focus, working memory, and the ability to follow multi-step directions.

  • Imagination & Discovery: Students explore nature, develop curiosity, and build meaningful connections to the environment through seasonal changes and creative play.

Through these goals, our garden becomes more than a learning space—it’s a place where every child can thrive.st.

“I have found that working with plants makes me more patient, thoughtful and reflective.”-Student, DYRS

“In alignment with Restorative Justice and Positive Youth Development frameworks, the Horticultural Therapy and Urban Gardening program was developed to provide therapeutic, educational, rehabilitation and vocational opportunities for youth. A Restorative and positive youth development approach posits that facilitating experiences for youth in which they develop skills and competencies, as well as build pro-social relationships within the community, is essential for making a successful transition from adolescence to adulthood.”

-Restorative Justice Coordinator, Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services



Students building raised beds using locally sourced white oak at New Beginnings Youth Center

Using the square foot planting methods, students planted bush beans, watermelon, squash, determinate tomatoes, carrots and pollinators.

 

Square foot method summer crops maintained by students

Ward 8 Speedy Greens is an innovative program co-led by Molly Fleder in partnership with Community Connections, and funded by a major grocery grant from the Department of Small and Local Business. Designed for transition-aged youth in Southeast D.C., this initiative blends horticulture with entrepreneurship to tackle food insecurity in Ward 8. Through hands-on gardening, participants gain therapeutic benefits, build life and business skills, and actively combat the area's persistent food deserts—particularly east of the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers. The program is a powerful model for community engagement, empowerment, and sustainable change.