Hands of Wonder Garden Program FAQs

How are youth selected to participate in the program?

• Youth are referred to the program by their Juvenile Court Counselor, who works closely with the youth to manage their case and address risk and protective factors.
• Youth referred to HOW must be medium to high-risk youth (indicated by a risk assessment tool).
• HOW works with both formally adjudicated youth (youth who have participated in the formal court process) and informal youth (youth who are being held accountable outside of the court process through a Formal Accountability Agreement).
• Once youth have been referred, they must participate in a formal interview process.
• Youth who participate in the Culinary Arts program can also work in this program.
• The median age for youth accepted to the program is 15-18.

How does it benefit youth?

• Youth participate in an incentive-based program and can earn up to $600 during an 8 week session, ($75.00) per week.
• Youth will develop an understanding of empathy vs. sympathy and increase both individual and community empathy.
• You will develop tools they need to make decisions based on impact rather than “in the moment decisions”.
• Youth will understand the ripple effect that their actions have both directly and indirectly.
• Youth will understand and practice meaningful accountability.
• Youth will develop relationship to their community and see themselves as valuable members of the community.
• Youth will develop a positive future focus, and understand how to create effective goals to move toward a healthier future.
• Youth will receive their Oregon Food Handlers card.
• Youth will develop job skills necessary to secure employment in their community.
• Youth will learn important interview skills and how to write an effective resume.
• Youth will develop portfolio with earned certificates, resume, and letters of recommendation.

How does it benefit the community?

• The community will benefit by youth being held meaningfully accountable for the crimes they commit.
• Youth will complete their court-ordered probation guidelines successfully.
• Once vacant county surplus properties will be used for services that help re-build our communities.
• Youth will begin to re-build trust within the community they once harmed and to develop positive relationships with their community.
• Youth will give back to the community through restorative community service projects, donating surplus food to local partnerships, and by providing local, organic food options to the community.
• Through community partnerships with local service organizations, community members will begin to redefine their relationship to youth and see them as valuable, contributing members of the community.