Common Ground Farm in Summer

Experiential job training for the refugee community resulting in our trainees’ ability to find, perform and retain jobs.

This is the mission of Common Ground. It is the thread that runs through every action we perform and every interaction we initiate or experience. But we accomplish this training in several different ways.

The most well-known facet of our work is the Common Ground farm in east Boise. This small parcel of land serves several purposes. First and most important, it is an on-the-job training ground for many of our students. They learn about agriculture, gardening, even yard care through working with our head Farmer, Devi. As Devi instructs them, our trainees learn to understand employer expectations and to ask questions (an important and difficult skill). They also interact with customers and work side-by-side with volunteers, giving them a chance develop friendships and improve their language skills.

The farm also provides employment for a few refugees throughout the growing season, and supports itself through the sale of Common Ground Farm Shares.

Last year the farm produced 50,000 lbs of produce. While Farm Share holders, customers, and local businesses enjoyed the fresh veggies, over 10,000 lbs went to the Idaho Food Bank and our trainees.

Volunteers play a crucial role in the success of the farm, as they (often entire families) help prepare the land, plant, maintain and harvest the crops. It’s a community effort.