Volunteer Tending Agency Gardens

posted 8/20/24 -- After a lengthy career in counseling, Barbara O’Patry is putting her lifelong love of gardening to work as a volunteer for LCCAA.

Since June, Barbara has been busily tending the raised beds in front of LCCAA’s warehouse building on West 10th Street near the LCCAA Produce Center. She was matched with the agency by the RSVP program of the Lorain County Office on Aging which connects retirees with volunteer opportunities in their area.

“There’s always something to be done,” she said. “I’ve been a gardener for about a million years.”

Even as a child, Barbara could be found outside rather than dusting or doing housework. Now, she’s found a way to “make a difference” with her favorite hobby.

Barbara held the title Master Gardener through the OSU Extension office in Cuyahoga County for 21 years. In that capacity she conducted classes, presentations and managed demonstration gardens.

“I hope I helped some people along who were struggling wanting to grow things,” she said.

Meanwhile, she worked as a youth and family counselor for the City of Lakewood. She later moved on to the Educational Service Center before retiring about 13 years ago, she said.

The beds in front of the warehouse are full of strawberry, pepper, pumpkin, tomato and herb plants. Some of the produce has been offered at the LCCAA Produce Center and some has been shared with staff.

The effort is part of LCCAA’s experimentation with full-cycle farming as the agency works toward creating a social enterprise.