FarmWorks

Volunteer at FarmWorks

 

Chicago FarmWorks, Heartland Human Care Services’ urban farm in the East Garfield Park community, fights two issues associated with poverty: economic opportunity and health. Utilizing a two acre farm in the East Garfield Park neighborhood, we distribute local produce of the highest quality to those who need it most, and help people overcoming multiple barriers to employment find full-time, permanent, viable jobs.

We invite community members to join us on the farm to volunteer. Get your hands dirty, have fun, and learn more about urban agriculture!

We will be accepting group volunteers during our farming season, March to November. Farm tasks may include, but are not limited to; weeding, planting, harvesting, shoveling, and various other tasks. To schedule a visit, please use the scheduling links below.

For more information or questions, please scroll down to see our FAQs or contact us at farmworksvolunteers@heartlandhumancareservices.org.

PLEASE NOTE: Our farm is dependent on volunteers like you. To avoid cancellations, we ask that parties confirm availability prior to booking an event with us. In the event that you must cancel or reschedule, please notify us 72 hours in advance.

Also, to help us continue to maintain the farm and purchase necessary items (such as seeds and soil), we would deeply appreciate a contribution of $20 per volunteer for group events to help us organize volunteer opportunities and continue this important work.

If you have questions about becoming an official FarmWorks season partner, please contact us at farmworksvolunteers@heartlandhumancareservices.org.

 

FarmWorks Volunteering

Group Volunteering
If you have a group of 15-20 people who want to volunteer, please contact us at farmworksvolunteers@heartlandhumancareservices.org.  Currently, our group volunteering opportunity is available on Thursdays from 2-5pm.  

We ask that if you have more than 20 people in your group, that you contact us at farmworksvolunteers@heartlandhumancareservices.org to schedule your volunteer day. 

Individual Volunteering
If you are interested in volunteering as an individual, please email us at farmworksvolunteers@heartlandhumancareservices.org.
Individual volunteering is available on Tuesdays from 2-5pm. 

We look forward to farming and making a difference with you!

 

FarmWorks Volunteer FAQs

We do not currently charge a fee to volunteer and greatly appreciate donations to support the important work of bringing healthy food and employment supports to those who need it most. 

The needs of the farm are constantly changing throughout the season. We suggest donating to FarmWorks to help us maintain our farm and provide fresh healthy food to those who need it. If you are interested in what the current needs of the farm are and how you can support a special volunteer project, please contact farmworksvolunteers@heartlandhumancareservices.org. For example, we have had partners donate funding for a tractor, groups come in to help us assemble picnic tables, etc. We always have new needs popping up and appreciate all the help we can get.

Farm tasks vary day to day and include, but are not limited to: weeding, shoveling soil/ gravel, wheelbarrowing materials, planting seedlings, etc. if you have any physical ailments, let us know and we’ll keep that in mind.

We encourage volunteers to bring reusable water bottles, sunscreen, snacks (granola bars, fruit, etc.), hats, sunglasses and other appropriate clothing based on weather (rain jacket, boots, etc.). We provide all farm work items on site (gloves, trowels, kneeling pads, etc.)

Most tasks on the farm can be done in the rain. We will keep close track of the weather and encourage the group to bring rain gear if needed. In the event of inclement weather, such as severe thunderstorms, we would reschedule the group for another day.

There is a well-maintained portable restroom on site.

The green line at Kedzie is a few blocks away.

Yes, there is a small parking area with about 15 spaces alongside the farm on Albany Ave. There is also street parking available nearby on Franklin Blvd.