About Us
The mission of Stein Learning Gardens at St. Sabina is to deliver high quality garden education and community programs that create positive learning experiences, encourage healthy lifestyle choices, and increase community members’ access to fresh and affordable healthy produce.
We were founded in 2018 by local philanthropist, Barbara Stein, inspired by the work of activist priest Father Michael Pfleger in Auburn Gresham on the south side of Chicago. Since our inception, children from the community have come to the garden to learn how to grow food and develop a healthy lifestyle. In 2020 we constructed a 6,000 sq. ft. farm and community food hub site and distributed more than 5,800 home garden kits for students on Chicago’s South and West sides collaborating with Chicago Grows Food.
The Faith Community of Saint Sabina is a community of disciples where the DNA of who we are is rooted in the Word. We are committed to praise, worship and to be not only hearers of the Word but live as doers of the Word. We see our worship time as the huddle, where believers gather to get instructions, feed on God’s word, draw closer to God, and grow spiritually so when we leave the church doors we make the Word flesh and evil nervous.
Become a Volunteer
In the Media
When Grocery Stores Close, West & South Side Residents Work to Feed Their Own
Home Run Inn, St. Sabina Team Up For ‘Giving Tuesday’ Pizza Giveaway
A Letter From Our Executive Director, Moses Williams
Dear Friends and Supporters of Stein Learning Gardens,
Since January, we have served nearly 1,600 people and have distributed a remarkable 4,000 pounds of produce at Barbara’s Market and other events over the last eight months. This will be our best year since starting Barbara’s Market in 2021. Each year has built on the successes of the last, and I hope this trend will continue.
We have also brought in $209,540 in new funding this year and hope to increase that number during the remainder of this calendar year. None of these achievements would have been possible without the dedication of our staff and volunteers, the support of our generous donors, and steadfast commitment of our community members. I am profoundly grateful for your trust and support as we continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our neighbors.
Reflecting on these accomplishments and this year thus far, the thing that stands out the most is the smoke from the Canadian wildfires. Specifically, how that smoke made it difficult for our workers to breathe and see at times. It was a startling call to action regarding the present moment of climate inaction and the urgency of addressing our climate future.
We know as the impact of climate change becomes more apparent communities like Auburn Gresham, which face a disproportionate burden of environmental injustice, will intensify the hardships we face daily.
At Stein Learning Gardens, our overarching goal remains unwavering: to end food and nutrition insecurity in Auburn Gresham. We understand the pressing challenges our community faces, and we are more determined than ever to tackle them head-on. Our team is actively working on innovative programs and partnerships to ensure that nutritious food is readily available to all, regardless of their circumstances.
In closing, I invite you to join us in our mission to create a healthier and more food-secure Auburn Gresham. Your continued support, whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word about our work, is invaluable.
Thank you for standing with us as we cultivate change, one harvest at a time. Together, we can make Auburn Gresham a place where food and nutrition insecurity are relics of the past.
Warm regards,
Moses
Our Sponsors
