The Buzz

Community Transitions

Community Transitions is a specialized program designed for students ages 18-22 who need extra support transitioning into adult services after exiting high school.  Emphasis is placed on functional skills, community involvement, and employment. 

IU grad student assists CT student with processing watermelon rind for watermelon gazpacho
Slicing rhubarb for a savory stew
Processing persimmons for a savory persimmon soup
Community Transitions – Learning how to make pickles

These photos were captured at the Monroe County Public Library Teaching Kitchen and First United Church as part of an educational program titled “Seasonal Cooking: From the Farm to the Table”, which ran from August through December 2024.

Each week, GardenQuest taught Community Transition students how to prepare vegetables harvested from the farm GardenQ. Not only did the students advance their culinary skills and their confidence in the kitchen, but they also explored the history, culture, and nutritional value connected to each vegetable. They learned how to adjust recipes based on seasonality and use the uncommon, yet edible portions of the vegetables, fruits, and roots. Additionally, students were challenged to come up with ways to improve the recipes with additions and substitutions, which they tested the following week.

Marlin Elementary School Project

Objective: To design & execute a repeatable set of garden design lessons that incorporate K/1 STEAM state academic standards.