VOICES FROM THE COMMUNITY
Real words from real people doing real life in Oak Cliff.
"I have volunteered for a lot of organizations over the years. This was different from the first day. You can feel that this is not just a program. This is a community. The people who run it actually care. The people who come actually need it. I cannot wait to come back every time I leave. That has never happened to me before with any organization."
-- CIP Volunteer
"I came to the garden because someone invited me. I stayed because I didn't realize how much I needed it. I have been carrying so much for so long. Work. Kids. Family. Everything. And I didn't have anywhere to put it down. The garden gave me that. This has become my peace. I don't miss a Saturday if I can help it. This place gave me something back that I didn't even know I had lost."
-- Oak Cliff Community Member
"I deal with anxiety. I have for years. I have tried a lot of things. But nothing has worked quite like this garden has worked. I just know that I feel better when I am here. I feel like myself. CIP gave me this place and I am grateful for it every single week."
-- Oak Cliff Community Member
"I came to volunteer one Saturday because a friend asked me to. I had never gardened in my life. But from the moment I got there, I felt like I belonged. I went home that evening feeling like I had actually done something that mattered. I have been back every chance I get. There is nothing quite like showing up somewhere and feeling like your presence makes a real difference."
-- CIP Volunteer
"I came to volunteer one Saturday because a friend asked me to. I had never gardened in my life. But from the moment I got there, I felt like I belonged. I went home that evening feeling like I had actually done something that mattered. I have been back every chance I get. There is nothing quite like showing up somewhere and feeling like your presence makes a real difference."
-- CIP Volunteer