Sweet Water Foundation stands in solidarity with those actively seeking justice nationwide. Amidst the uprisings in our cities and the continued COVID-19 pandemic, the SWF team + family is more focused than ever on cultivating The Commonwealth. Since 2014, we have reclaimed land on Chicago's South Side and cultivated safe and peaceful spaces for its residents. This work continues and is more essential than ever before.  Our team is dedicated to ensuring that our community not only has access to healthy food, but also the resources to grow their own.

As the world turns indoors in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sweet Water team has continued to focus on growth and new life at The Commons. In March, over 7,000 seeds were planted, 25 new garden beds were constructed, and more than 3,000 plants have been transplanted to the Community Farm. The SWF team is more determined than ever to sustain life at The Commons for the upcoming growing season.

This month welcomes not only the onset of summer but also the beginning of new traditions as we launch the First Annual Juneteenth Celebration at the Commons. OnSaturday, June 16, 2018, Sweet Water Foundation will host a family-friendly event that focuses on the theme of Radical [Re]Construction; Radical, meaning of or restoring to the root, and [Re]Construction, the rebuilding and healing of our community. 

Warm weather ahead! The weather in April was cooler than anticipated, but we're finally peeling off our winter coats in preparation for the busy, summer months ahead. The energy at Sweet Water Foundation has been building as we see plants beginning to sprout in the greenhouse, seeds being sown in the farm, and more and more activity each week.

Spring is upon us! Although it's still chilly, the Sweet Water community is already preparing the Commons for bountiful growing season. There is never a dull moment during spring! From mentors and apprentices building shelves for the weekly Farmers' Market stand-to-staff and volunteers prepping the soil for planting.  
 

It may still be cold outside, but Sweet Water Foundation's work of regenerative development continues on. At the onset of winter's cold weather, the team turned its attention to planning, design, carpentry, and conducting education and community workshops.

Make New History is exactly what Sweet Water Foundation accomplished on Saturday, September 23, 2017 with the raising of Sweet Water Foundation's Thought Barn, which, upon completion, will bring a visual and performing arts, reflection, and community gathering space to the heart of the Perry Ave Commons. 

With the last month of summer upon us, the Perry Ave Community Farm is flourishing and the Commons is bustling with visitors. This summer, we have welcomed nearly 1,000 visitors from down the block, across the city and around the world. Our dedicated staff and interns have worked tirelessly to continue transforming the Commons and the fruits of their labor include new built projects, a revamped website, and a more bountiful harvest than ever before. 

Summer is in full swing at the Perry Ave Commons! College interns are onboard and summer youth programming has begun.

Welcome to the inaugural issue of Sweet Water Foundation's newsletter. Each issue will share stories that bring to life our work, which we refer to as Regenerative Placemaking.