Refugees are persons fleeing persecution in their homeland and seeking protection in a new country. Despite previous hardships, most refugees possess resilience and are motivated to begin a new life. LSS has been helping thousands of new Americans become self-sufficient and productive US citizens for over 15 years. Representing a diversity of culture and experiences, clients’ origins include Somalia, Moldova, Bhutan, Burma, Iraq and Russia.
In 2008, LSS launched the Immigrant and Refugee Agriculture Initiative (IMMAG). Many new Americans were farmers in their former countries and have skills and foods to share with their new neighbors. Also, they have a lot to learn – a new climate, soils, seasons, pests, where to get seeds (not to mention English!). That is why LSS, in conjunction with many partners, offers training and access to resources to help them get started. This year, IMMAG participants will grow food for their families at community garden sites in Westfield, West Springfield and Worcester. Additionally, some will continue for a second year at the Tierra de Oportunidades Farm, which is a beginning farmer training project and new business incubator in Holyoke.
Last year, IMMAG helped three Russian and Ukrainian farmers grow over 5,000 pounds of produce at the Tierra de Oportunidades Farm. Nuestras Raices, a non-profit organization committed to community and agricultural development, supplied training and assistance throughout the season. The farmers provided fresh food to their families and donated to needy community members. They also earned supplemental income by selling at local markets, including the Westfield Farmers’ Market.
IMMAG has now expanded to community gardens. Staff will support the new gardeners with gardening instruction, as well as provide tools, seeds and plants to get them started. Participants from Nepal and Thailand hope to have success growing some of their familiar Asian crops. Gardens are located at the Genesis Spiritual Life Center in Westfield, Mittineague Park in West Springfield, Regional Environmental Council community gardens in Worcester, and a new site outside the West Springfield LSS office.
IMMAG is a program of Lutheran Social Services (LSS). LSS delivers a broad variety of services to children, youth and families; persons with developmental disabilities, mental illness and Deafness; the economically disadvantaged; refugees and older adults. IMMAG follows the LSS mission to care for people in need, regardless of background or belief. For more information or to lend support to a new farmer, contact Shemariah Blum-Evitts, IMMAG program coordinator, at 413.562.6015 or
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