The Grow

The Maylum Family is starting a non-profit organization. The Grow is a special education organization based in a rural setting, which focuses on vocational and life skills for young adults with needs. Clients of The Grow will receive instruction from a licensed special education teacher (T.J. Maylum) to gain the skills needed to work in the competitive job market. While at The Grow, clients will use tools to cultivate land and grow fruits and vegetables. They will also receive instruction in caring for livestock as well as homemaking, cooking, and baking. Finally, the products of our labor will be sold to the community at the Des Moines Farmers Market. Clients of The Grow will attend the market to help with setting up, selling produce and purchasing materials needed for the farm. Any produce not sold at the market will be donated to the Des Moines Food Bank. The Grow will be funded through agricultural subsidies, Medicaid support for individuals with disabilities and profit from the produce and livestock. Clients of the Grow will earn $7.25 per hour of work and will gain the life skills needed to play an active role in their community. In order for this organization to work, we need your help. The 12.5 acre farm is $200,000. All we need is a 20% downpayment. The rest will be funded through agricultural and business loans. Please do what you can. Thank you, T.J. and Megan Maylum More information is available on our website at www.the-grow.com