Empowering Communities Through Sustainable Agriculture
Our Mission and Vision
Community Roots Greenhouse Farms (CRG Farms) is a Carolinas based non-profit organization that cultivates more than just plants—we cultivate potential.
Our mission is to transform underutilized spaces into vibrant, sustainable community hubs across the Carolinas. We're able to partner with community organizations, non-profits, schools, and government bodies, to create ecosystems of social and environmental change. Central to our strategy is the collaborative use of Geodesic Dome Greenhouses, which offer an innovative and energy-efficient solution for community farming and community-driven development. These structures are as resilient and enduring as the communities we strive to empower.
We envision a future where every community in the Carolinas have equal access to vibrant green spaces that foster sustainable agriculture, community unity, and inclusive economic growth. By transforming underutilized spaces into hubs of environmental stewardship and education, we aim to empower underserved communities, promote health and wellness, and drive equitable economic opportunities. Our commitment is to create ecosystems where individuals can thrive, ensuring that neighborhoods, big or small, urban, or rural, benefits from sustainable practices fostering community growth.
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Our Approach
At CRG Farms, collaboration is at the heart of our approach. We believe that empowering communities requires a collective effort, leveraging the strengths and resources of various stakeholders to achieve sustainable and impactful outcomes. We transform vacant lots, utilize public land, and collaborate with private landowners to create productive green spaces. Additionally, we convert unused industrial sites and revitalize blighted areas. Our collaborative model focuses on forming strategic alliances to create thriving and resilient communities. We partner with community organizations, non-profits, schools, law enforcement, and social and food justice groups to collectively address the unique needs of each community. These partnerships allow us to pool resources, share expertise, and develop comprehensive solutions that are tailored to local contexts.
Community Involvement
We actively engage community members in every step of the process, from planning and design to implementation and maintenance. By involving residents in decision-making and ownership, we ensure that the projects reflect the community's needs and values, fostering a sense of pride and stewardship.
Collaborative Development
Our projects are designed through collaborative development, stakeholders come together to discuss, plan, and create sustainable green spaces. We help align the goals and expectations of all parties involved, ensuring that the outcomes are beneficial and meaningful.
Educational Alliances
Were able to work closely with educational institutions to integrate hands-on learning opportunities into our projects. By collaborating with schools and universities, we provide students with real-world experience in sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, and community development.
Support Networks
Our collaborative model also includes building support networks for justice-involved individuals through prison work release programs and second chance employment initiatives. By partnering with local businesses and social services, we provide these individuals with opportunities to contribute positively to their communities, gaining valuable skills and rebuilding their lives.
Our Story
Founder, Joseph K Williams
Community Roots Greenhouse Farms was founded by Joseph Kenneth Williams, a former Mecklenburg County, North Carolina Sheriff's officer turned professional horticulturist, who brings over 30 years of combined experience in law enforcement and the horticulture industry. Throughout his law enforcement career, Joseph witnessed many challenges faced by underserved communities but also saw the transformative power of community connections and the joy of watching people grow. Whether mentoring justice-involved individuals or local youth, Joseph was motivated by a passion to help individuals thrive in environments where barriers often held them back. This passion inspired him to turn his love for horticulture and community unity into a force for good. Established to combat urban decay and food scarcity, Community Roots Greenhouse Farms revitalizes underutilized spaces into vibrant centers of community and sustainability.