Hope is served one helping at a time!

Corie and Zucchini, Fall 202

Hi I'm Farmer Corie! (that's what the kids call me) 

I am the Education Program Manager at Helpings of Hope, and lead our farm site at John Boner in the Eastside of Indianapolis.  

Here's why I am passionate about my work and believe in supporting Helpings of Hope grow through the Indianapolis Gives Challenge.

Why I love my job at Helpings of Hope:

J Boner Summer Camp, 2025

We believe in building a better future 

Helpings Of Hope Indy's mission is to empower communities in food deserts by providing sustainable food sources, educational resources, and spaces to grow produce tied to their heritage. 

It's vision is an Indianapolis where everyone has access to affordable, culturally meaningful food, the tools to nourish their families, and a thriving connection to their community and the land.

All of us, (staff, board, volunteers, and gardeners) all work together to achieve this mission & vision SUSTAINABLY meaning, 

First Volunteer Group at John Boner,
April 2025

one day and step at a time. 

As an organization, Helpings of Hope has been active in community for over 10 years.  Growing steadily to meet the needs of its neighbors, it persists in the face of rising challenges, such as funding cuts to the USDA, which resulted in the organizational loss of over $20,000 this past season.  

Still our leadership remains dedicated and unflinching, we have witnessed the resilience of the land and community.  As long as we have each other- we can keep moving forward.  

Curly Kale grown at John Boner, 2025

By connecting to nature, 

we steward over 2 acres of urban land.  We follow organic practices, and work in balance with the natural environment to produce nutrient-dense, seasonal produce. 

This past 2025 season, at John Boner Farm alone, we grew over 586 pounds of food including diverse varieties of kale; carrots; radish; turnips; pumpkins; cucumbers; eggplant; peppers; and more.

Volunteers Sarah and Kayla help with Purple Carrot Harvest, Summer 2025

and fostering growth 

a cornerstone of our farming is growing alongside others.  We have two community garden sites where 50 gardeners have access to free land and resources to grow their own food.  

At John Boner, we started with 9 new community garden plots this year.  Both individuals and groups nurtured these plots by sharing their expertise, food, and fellowship throughout the season.  

Nora Community Garden hosts over 40 gardeners from 9 different countries who grow culturally specific ingredients to feed their families native dishes. 

Staff Luncheon, Summer 2025

authentically ourselves, 

As a staff, we are from many different backgrounds, countries, and cultures.  We speak many languages, share meals, and learn together.  

I honestly feel so seen and supported by my co-workers.  Our company culture is one of collaboration, teamwork, and vulnerability.  It is truly remarkable and a privilege to work alongside them.  

Caterpillar, 2025

we honor the land

Not to be a broken record, but it's important to stress our intentionality around growing.  

We consider land, people, and food to be a balance of needs and value both modern and traditional knowledge to achieve symbiosis.  

At Harvest 2 Home
Floating Farmers Market, 2025

strengthen our community, 

our work does not exist in a vacuum.  We partner with many different organizations, such as the Harvest 2 Home Floating Farmers Market, to bring our food to different parts of the city.  

Through weekly farmstands, markets, pop-ups, and food banks we distribute food across the North, East, West and Southside neighborhoods.  

Thursday Farmstand at John Boner, 2025to feed this city 

Currently serving over 500 people - we want to increase this impact this coming season.  However we cannot do it without much needed repairs to our Nora Greenhouse.

Please consider donating Helpings of Hope!  There are so many reasons why I love this organization & believe in it's mission.  I hope you see them too!

Kindly,

                  Farmer Corie