JUstice and Affinity Garden
About us
J&A Community Garden
At the J&A community garden, we don't just plant seeds and grow food. Instead, we create a community experience that will impact residents in a positive way. We create a safe space where families and children can laugh, learn and create. We create an educational space that will allow communities to become more informed and proactive in regard to the topic of green living. Our community garden is not just about planting seeds in the garden and watching them grow. We also plant seeds of hope and faith in one another and watch each other grow. We rely heavily on the muscle of the community to create a better place for residents living in Albany's south end.
WE ARE LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO VOLUNTEER FOR THE SUMMER 2023 GROWING SEASON PLEASE EMAIL US: info@justiceandaffinitygarden.org
The Garden Family
Aleesha Fiddemon
Program Director
Aleesha Fiddemon the Garden Program manager at the Justice and Affinity Community Garden. She is a graduate of the University at Albany. She obtained a bachelor's degree and a master's degree at the university. During her studies, she fell in love with the study of community development and the ways in which the environment impacts physical, mental, and emotional health. After she battled with autoimmune issues since childhood, she was able to receive optimal health "green living". She takes pride in her connection to the earth and utilizes the gifts that the earth has provided to aid her in her lifelong health journey. Her biggest goal in life is to cultivate living environments that promote health and well-being at its core.
Julian Ford
Assistant Program Director
Julian Ford is the Program Coordinator at the Justice and Affinity Garden. Julian is a graduate at Hudson Valley Community College and holds an associate's degree in Individual studies and another in Business administration. Julian is currently working on his bachelor's degree in Health Care Management as he is greatly concerned with community health.
Julian strongly believes in the power of nature to aid in health and utilizes the knowledge about health to help those around him. Julian oversees garden volunteers and helps to coordinate with Community Garden staff. He is responsible for the recruitment of all-volunteer staff.
Community Garden Memberships
Wassup family? We would love for you to join the Justice and Affinity team! We are a member only community program decidiate to the well being of all people, but espeically African Americans. Being a member of the garden is a major responsibility to your community! This garden is a place to grow food, but its also a place to grow strong bonds and relationships with like minded people. If you are interested in becoming a member please send a email to our general mailbox which is as follows: info@justiceandaffinitygarden.org
