What I’ve been up to since March 2023

When I joined the Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society in April 2023, I thought I knew what I was getting into. Turns out, I had no idea how much this work would change how I think about building community.

Learning to Listen First

The best part? Developing seven new programs that actually mattered to people. We generated over $200K not because we were great grant writers, but because we spent time listening to what farmers and communities were actually asking for. There's a big difference between what looks good on paper and what people need in real life.

I also got to organize 43 events across Nebraska—some tiny farm gatherings, others bigger conferences where urban gardeners sat next to ranchers and everyone learned something. Watching over 1100 people connect over shared challenges and solutions reminded me why I love this work.

Better Together

Working with multiple other nonprofits taught me that collaboration beats competition every time. Instead of fighting over the same funding, we started sharing resources and expertise. Turns out when you stop protecting your turf, everyone wins.

What's Next

As I wrapped up at NSAS in June, I kept thinking about the common thread in all my work—from helping specially-abled adults find jobs to training healthcare workers to growing food for pantries. It's always about bringing people together and listening to what they actually need.

I'm excited about what comes next and how these two years will shape whatever I dive into next.

The G Guy

G, how I’ll refer to this friend, is working his way into my heart.

He is non-verbal except for several words & phrases: basketball and Honda the favorites.

G loves to have a job to do. The more physical the better. He has difficulty walking but manages ambulating (is that the word) anywhere he wants to go.

At the Mushroom Farm, G eyed the golf cart on his first visit to work there with Kevin and team. 2nd visit he rode in it to the top of the farm.

Finding a job for G that allowed for him to load and drive a vehicle like this would be perfect.

I think G may be my first RPM candidate.

RPM is a communication method that I’ve been certified to teach. More on RPM here.

Update: 1/25/23.

I was not able to use the RPM communication tool with G. Unfortunately, the day program he was in was modified and he was no longer able to participate. Maybe someone else has picked up on G’s unique abilities.

Season End at Flavor Country Farms

This week we made our last trip of the season to Flavor Country Farms in Crescent, Iowa. We started working there on June 15 and experienced many wonderful moments. Number 1, Kevin and his crew. From the moment we set foot on the farm, we were welcomed with dignity and respect. All too often, those words are thrown together to mean something. I saw dignity and respect happen. Looking someone in the eye when you speak to them. Remembering their names. Remembering what they like to do. Kevin, Adam, Angel, CC and Avery showed up each week offering the gift of friendship.

Number 2, the types of things we were able to do there. Jason loved shoveling mulch into a wheelbarrow and then spreading it on the flowers. Devon enjoyed harvesting mini marigolds for salads. Makyra loved anything to do with tomatoes. Sarah, well, Sarah will do whatever it takes to continue a convesation. She loves to work while she chats. There were many others who visited Kevin’s farm over the summer, and many who want to return in the spring.

Finally, number 3. We spent many a sweat drop in the tomato patch and greenhouse. While it was hot and buggy, it was great to plant the tomatoes that we weeded and then harvested. Kevin told the team that their work produced over 1,000 meals in local restaurants. Feeding others is important.

Harvesting mustard greens and cilantro from the compost heap.

On our final day together for the season, we each shared what we’d liked the best about working on this farm. New friends was the common answer.

Mosaic returns to the flooded garden

The first weekend of August brought flood waters to the Old Market in Omaha. Many homes and businesses were affected. It was devastating to see the destruction it wrecked on our Pop-Up Oasis. We were determined to make the best of the mess and started clean up immediately. There were over 6” of asphalt that washed into the garden as well as debris, serious debris.

After getting the soil tested and waiting 3 weeks, we invited Mosaic to return.

The first day back, they looked around and started in cleaning. From hauling rocks to picking up sticks to sweeping sidewalks to raking asphalt. They didn’t hesitate to get involved.

My favorite part of the day was when Gonzalo, who is non-verbal and comes from a non English-speaking home, asked for help dumping a tub.

Heroes of my heart, these humans.

Maggie

One opportunity I love about life is meeting new people.

One significant part I love about meeting new people is learning about their story.

Last spring, I met Maggie when picking up compost for our Pop-Up Garden. In our first encounter, we instantly connected. It could’ve been our mutual love of nature, growing food, compost and cooking but there was more to it. We not only share similar interests but something special happens every time we are together. I learn, laugh and love something new about Maggie.

She wears this skirt every day and it has its own name.

This summer, Maggie called to ask if I knew anyone who could use strawberries. A truck had dropped off pallets and pallets of wonderful strawberries. Through Maggie and my networks, we connected with Omaha and gleaners arrived. Here is a video of before and after, our stories continue.

Lovely Loess Hills Landowners

The Loess Hills have the best soil and farmers that I’ve ever seen in Iowa. Two years ago, I met Terry and Cynthia of Iowana Farms, (Post on 2.19.2019). Earlier this year, I met Kevin of Flavor Country Farms. The soil in these farms feels like a cushion when you walk on it, softens your hands when you work in it and grows incredible crops. Not only is the soil some of the finest around, but the farmers are just as rich in kindness and each one cushions your soul.

Kevin invited Mosaic to come and volunteer at his farm in early May. When we were scheduling our visits, he told me how grateful he was that he could get to know new friends. Every time we visit, Kevin sits down and visits with our team, listens to their stories and most importantly, always greets them individually by name. All of Kevin’s employees love to chat it up with Mosaic, remember their names and their stories.

We made our first official visit to Terry’s Iowana Farm mid August and she started our time there with a tour of one of the farms. Walking by the beautiful cliffs you could see the amazing soil and cliff swallow nests. When we arrived at the herb patch where we were going to weed, Terry showed us what to do and then joined in with us as we worked. She extolled the therapeutic effects of weeding, I always knew there were some but she articulated it beautifully. First, there’s the connection with the plant (weed) and the soil, the strategy of how to remove it, the feeling of pulling it from the earth, the soil that you can shake off the plant, tossing the plant to the side and then the end result of seeing a cleaned-up patch. We all felt the beauty of weeding as we worked, laughed and lunched together.

Before we left, Terry made sure that each of us received a gift for our work, goat cheese from Honey Creek Creamery, her cousin’s goat farm. She also spoke to each individual, telling them how smart she thought there was and gave them evidence of what she had seen.

As I drove away, I marveled at the beauty of Terry’s embrace of our Mosaic friends’ hearts. Without knowing it, she boosted their spirits in new ways.

What about Bob?

He mentored, motioned and moved judiciously through the garden and into the hearts of our Mosaic magic makers.

I met Bob while doing strategic analysis of my new venture with Amy, a consultant. Amy helped me design my MIssion: Exploring the out of doors. Discover the dignity and value in each of us and the earth. After learning about my Pop-Up project, she suggested I contact Bob. He had been in the agricultural community as a grower and consultant his entire career. He traveled extensively and taught many how to grow and care for crops.

Then he met Mosaic individuals. Bob drove 45 minutes to Omaha weekly to work with the Mosaic. We started with a crew of 10, working 3 hours, lunched together with games afterwards. Bob was a part of it all and lead the team in the garden.

Bob wasn’t concerned with a perfect looking garden, but he was interested in engaging individuals. This he did with glee and care, he loved joking around and singing. Everyone around him soon did so too.

Watching Bob support and guide the Mosaic MM taught the importance of patience, direction and follow up. Bob did all of these with great ease so that no one ever really knew they were being taught, they were just working with Bob.

The best parts of the days with Bob was before the MMM arrived. We would walk around the Pop-Up, looking at the beds and Bob would tell about engagements he’d enjoyed with the MMM.

He was always amazed at the tenacity and determination of our MMM crew. He loved to talk about individuals, what they had said earlier - where they were strong in leadership and skills and how much he liked them as humans.

When we had to skip a week or when fall arrived, Bob was sad to miss out. We found other venues to meet, Big Garden and Table Grace provided us opportunities to meet, work and laugh together.

Bob decided to take a full time position in the town where he lives. Saying goodbye to him was one of the hardest things we’ve done at the Pop-Up. We were all at a loss for words.

Bob is missed. It isn’t the same without him and his wonderful love for Mosaic.

Joy gathering at the Garden

This day was perfect. Cloud cover and cool breezes that followed an evening of rain. Some new faces which meant new partners. Kevin noticed how much the plants had grown since the last time he’d visited. Dustin was able to deadhead flowers the entire time. Jason and Ben hauled compost and mulch all over the garden. Tiffany worked with Mia to deliver mulch to specific walkways. Gonzalo weeded the pathways of itty bitty weeds. Jeff deadheaded lavender and thyme.

There were smiles and laughter the entire time we were together. Looking back on it, I realized that many times I’m too busy making sure everyone has a task with the tools and direction. This day, I was able to watch joy emanate from each of the PopUp people.

Two Gardeners - Gone.

In June, the world said a formal goodbye to two saints who blessed all of those around them. Louis “LJ” Dickson and Mark Sands. Both of these men dedicated hours of devoted hard work to the PopUp Oasis.

Louis had a penchant for watering, and whenever watering was needed, he was leading the charge. He was willing to work on any task, preferring harvesting to weeding. Louis never stopped what he was doing to join in a conversation, he worked while he engaged with others. Louis enjoyed taking our harvested produce around to neighboring partners where he shared generously. Usually, Louis was humming or singing as he worked. His smile was captivating and made you feel loved.

Mark had a desire to serve others. His work in the PopUp garden and my own personal garden was precise and done well. Mark enjoyed meeting with the Mosaic crew and partnered with different people every shift so he could get to know them. While it was difficult at times for Mark to stand back and allow the Mosaic crew to do the work, he was always willing to laugh and joke with all of us, even if we didn’t do tasks according to his level of perfection. Mark showed up every week and took a personal interest in each person at the garden, as well as the plants we raised. Mark came for the people. His smile was captivating and made you feel loved.

Mark and Dusty working through mulch.

Louis and his eggplants!

Harvest PCA church held a memorial service for Mark on Saturday and we held a dedication at the PopUp for Louis the following Monday. It was a jolt to have to say goodbye to two great men two days apart. Marking these moments brought me joy in having known these men who smiled easily, laughed quickly and shared their hearts and hands.

Watching Gabe Grow

Walking to the daffodils at Lauritzen Gardens.

Gabe Dresner, our dear nephew, is back in Nebraska and in our home. He turns 27 this Saturday. He shows me and slows me in new ways. In the stays he’s had at our home, we get into a sweet rhythm with him. He can find ways to laugh and smile which brightens our home.

My preparation for Rapid Prompting Method will see action next week when Gabe and I have a lesson together. He seems farther away then before, I see new actions and responses that make me curious. I hope RPM can help him communicate in a meaningful way meaning for him.

My farm concept for adults with DD came about with Gabe. Moving away from that to creating jobs for these marginalized and voiceless adults. Maybe finding a place for him to learn cheffing will be my next move.

Why does Zero Waste get Zero Attention?

I’m preparing for a Sustainable Cooking Workshop with Conservation Nebraska on Wednesday, February 24. The cheffing will be commandeered by our favorite volunteer No Waste Chef, Scott Quinn from Duchesne Academy. He is a master at creative cooking that maximizes flavor and minimizes waste. He’ll be cooking Cauliflower Tacos and homemade Tortillas. You can cook alongside him by clicking this link. The focus is on sustainable, low cost DIY zero waste cooking. Our partner, Conservation Nebraska will highlight the importance of giving food back to the earth through composting. In addition to the culinary expertise, NMEP will discuss Zero Waste.
When we opened our Food Hub in Florence, we were dedicated to Zero Waste. We enlisted the help of Hillside Solutions for our implementation. It seemed easy enough, four different types of canisters for different types of trash. We focused on paper, mixed (cans, plastic and non-food paper), landfill and energy bag (soft plastics, styrofoam and plastic utensils).

It wasn’t simple. People are well-intentioned but they’d stand hovering over the 4 options unsure of where to toss their refuse. Usually, they’d toss it in the landfill canister or pull a wish-recycling move - “tossing questionable items in the recycling bin, hoping they can be recycled.” This was a term I learned from Brent Crampton at Hillside Solutions.

I checked in with him this week to learn the best way to introduce Zero Waste. Brent led with: “Zero waste is inevitable.

Creatures in the wild live a zero waste lifestyle.” I remembered seeing some birdies outside my lauoffice, building their nest. They pick up dead branches and twigs to construct their nest.

Then I thought about the farm animals I grew up with on our farm. The only waste they created, we scooped up and spread on our field. I never saw candy wrappers or coffee cups around their environments. How can humans acclimate to this model?

Brent said that solid waste is the gateway to Zero Waste. The average American produces 4.3 pounds of trash a day. Are people aware that they are actively creating waste? Probably not. If they are, what’s the best way for them to get started making less waste? Most people are aware of recycling, so it’s a great place to start the journey. From recycling, the move to reduce, reuse and recycle is the next logical step. Brent explained that recycling a compostable coffee cup is great, but what about using a mason jar instead? There’s no need to chop down the tree, to use energy to manufacture the cup or ship it plus no energy needed to compost it down.

Introducing people to their own Zero Waste journey seems simple enough. As with all journeys, it is the first step that is the hardest. So, is this why Zero Waste gets zero attention? I don’t think so, I think it’s a combination of not knowing exactly what to do when facing different colored trash cans and the ease of just tossing things out of site. As a teacher in Colorado Springs, we were studying inventors. I wanted to invent a system that everytime someone’s trash was picked up, they were given a picture of where that trash had been dumped. I thought seeing burgeoning landfills could persuade something to think differently about the trash they tossed. That was one step in my journey. Now, to share with others how to start their zero waste journey mimicking the model from the creatures around us.

Time to clean seeds!

After a 7 month hiatus, I’m excited to process my work, my explorations and my thoughts online again. Last month, I met with my Mosaic friends in the No More Empty Pots administration office to start cleaning seeds we’d harvested from our Pop-Up garden downtown last fall.

None of us, Devin or Julie or myself had ever cleaned seeds from harvested plants so we had to figure it out. Like other 30-somethings, Devin suggested checking YouTube and we found exactly what we needed. She figured it out. Each of us started using our own method of cleaning seeds from the seed heads. We decided that the final step of cleaning the seeds would require a strainer to sift the seeds.

As we worked, Devin asked me how my foot was feeling. Like a shot to my heart, I was instantly reminded of the reason why working with my Mosaic friends resonates deeply. It’s about building relationships. It’s about caring what happens in each other’s lives. It’s about hearing people that are usually voiceless in the neuro-typical world where we live

As I design my 2021 vision, I want to find ways for my Mosaic friends to connect in meaningful ways in our Food Hub and food growing spaces, but also in other businesses. Friends like Devin care about people, work and connecting. Finding other opportunities like this is my priority for 2021. Onward and upward!

Juana and her corn

Meet Juana, one of my new friends. Juana rides the bus to the Sacred Seeds garden almost every day to check on the plants, weed and water. I’ve only known Juana for a couple of months, when I was introduced to her husband, Luis and the Pixan Ixim Community Center. We invited them to have their own area in Sacred Seeds to plant their seeds, unaware that Juana would grow to love each plant in the garden and care for it as her own. I have learned so much observing her work.

Yesterday, she found one of her corn plants broken off at the bottom. She dropped to her knees, mourning the life lost. She sat there for several minutes. When she rose up, one of our crew asked if we couldn’t try and replant it. Juana was resolute, “No, it wouldn’t work.” Her sadness lingered until she started another task.

At the end of the shift, I saw her broken corn plant by her backpack. As we gathered things to leave the garden, she brought the plant over and explained that she was going to make tamales for us out of the corn. Her brilliant smile eroded the earlier sadness as she had decided how to use her beloved corn to bless the rest of us. Her resiliency inspires me.

Juana has made Sacred Seeds her home away from home which is away from her home. She left Guatemala over two decades ago and doesn’t feel like she fits in everywhere she goes. Her loss is hard for me to understand. Her kindness encourages me.

Yes, this is a great time.

Good Evening Audrey Is This A GoodTime If So I Just Wanted To Let You Know That Today Is my Birthday An I'm 30 Years Old True Story An I Wanted To Thank You For That Card You Sent Me An my Mom The Otherday It Was A Good Card However I Wanted To Inform You That I Cannot Read Cursive I've Tried I Believe When I Was In MiddleSchool  Somewhere Over There But Otherthan That I Prefer Print So If You Want To Just Write Something In Print Then I'm Okay With That An If You Want To Write Something In Cursive Then I'm Pretty Sure my Mom Is Okay With That True Story An Don't Forget You Told Me An Luci That Your Thinking About Getting A Dog So Hows That Coming Along ? An Would You Please Try An Tell Your Boss Nancy That I Said Hello An Happy Belated Mother's Day.

This author of this text is Steven, in the foreground of this picture. My heart aches for these dear friends.

Leader

These past weeks have left me without emotions and words to sort out how and what to feel. As these tragic events transpire, I realize that I have no ability to imagine being a Brown, Black or Indigenous person. The first person to hire me in Omaha, Nancy Williams, wrote this message below that shared a perspective that allowed me to begin to see deeper.

===================================

James Scurlock was killed. Tony McDade was killed. George Floyd was killed. Breonna Taylor was killed. Gut wrenching and painful killings of Black people. Each one is no longer able to hug the people they loved most in the world because of racism and racist actions. No More Empty Pots denounces all forms of oppression. The terror and injustices inflicted on Black, Brown and Indigenous bodies has to end. We, as members of this community and of humanity, must stand and act together to ensure that words lead to action and that action leads to systemic change.

As a Black woman and a Black mother, I am tired. Tired of fearing for the harm against my daughters and sons. Tired of fighting against everyday aggression. Tired of choking back tears when I feel like I cannot hold it all anymore. We can no longer carry the burdens of racism. What we need is justice. What we want is justice. What we deserve is justice. With justice, God willing, each of us may have the opportunity to live to our fullest potential, fulfill our highest purpose and just be. The kind of being that you bear witness to when you see zinnias with long strong stems and vibrant layered petals because they have abundant sunlight, hydrated roots and rich supportive soil. Zinnias getting the opportunity to be zinnias. 

It will be nearly impossible for Omaha and this country to truly advance without acknowledging that racist policies are perpetuated and racist actions are common and flagrant.

In Omaha and across the country lies an incredible opportunity. The inequities in the systems have been laid bare on multiple levels.

We have history. We have data. No need for another study or assessment. Courage and action. That’s where we are. Take action to catalyze transformative change. Be unequivocally just in every domain – economics, education, policies, healthcare, private companies, nonprofits, public corporations, churches, sports teams, families, you name it – every domain.

I believe that we are here to live this human experience full of gratitude, grace, and joy. And we are grateful for each one of you who wholeheartedly embraces and lives this truth, honoring the humanity in each of us and making it possible for others to do the same.

No More Empty Pots stands in the gap to serve and is committed to the actions required for justice. One action is the work we do every day with many of you to undo unjust, inequitable, racist systems that perpetuate food insecurity. Justice for Black people is a pathway to justice for everyone.

--

Nancy Williams

President/CEO

402.320.5349

I think of the opening lyrics from the song, “It’s Quiet Uptown” from Hamilton.

There are moments that the words don't reach
There is suffering too terrible to name
You hold your child as tight as you can
And push away the unimaginable
The moments when you're in so deep
It feels easier to just swim down

Pop Up Planting Party was perfect!

These past three evenings we met at the Sacred Seed Pop Up garden to plant. It was an amalgamation of people from all sorts of places. Taylor, whose organization, Sacred Seed, provided us with our name and indigenous ceremony of the blessing of the corn, invited all sorts of friends.

A gal biking by stopped on Tuesday evening and asked if she could join in, Sharon showed up again on Wednesday. People who follow us on IG/FB, heard about the planting and showed up too. Our new Pixan Ixim friends came every night and by last night, were chumming around with everyone.

Nancy, our resident horticulturist, was overwhelmed with people and plants but kindly provided great direction for us. Lots of plants found new homes.

Sharon and Lucy getting directions on path making from Nancy.

Our Pixim Ixim friends working the ground.

Angelyn, our Communications Manager, spent her time encouraging everyone!

Jenna planting in the peppers.

Pixan Ixim - The Heart of the Corn

The newest project I learned about last month, Pixan Ixim Maya Comunidad is for Guatemalans who have lived in Omaha as displaced native people . Their motto is: Reinforcing Our Roots, Living Our Maya Heritage.  Pixan Ixim Community Center has been in the south Omaha neighborhood since 2007. They have their own language, live in a close knit collective community and make decisions as a group. This indigenous minority group has adapted their lifestyles in the 20+ years since they emigrated here to escape persecution by the Guatemalan government.

All activities focus on education: educating the health care system, the educational system, the legal system and religious groups. With darker skin, they are often assumed to be Hispanic or Latino, being non-English speaking they usually just nod when they are asked questions by health care personnel.

First phone call to discuss the Pixan Ixim project, with Gus and Graham.

They are interested in gaining access to gardening ground so they can grow their own food and Luis Marcos, wants to provide that for the Pixan Ixim but also wants food access for the neighboring families and friends. So in addition to constructing raised beds, filling them with soil and getting ready to plant we will be working on food sovereignty issues. This is the part that excites me…I know a bit about gardening but want to learn about creating food access for all.

I’m meeting with their Executive Director, Luis, this afternoon with Graham of RegeNErate Nebraska, Gus of Omaha Permaculture and several of the Sacred Seeds team. My plans are to incorporate another Mosaic group of Magic Makers into this new community once we all get back together! The latest news from Mosaic is June 1 as a tentative start date. Couldn’t be soon enough for me!

These words speak deeply

Good Evening Audrey Is This A GoodTime If So I Just Wanted To Let You Know That Today Is my Birthday An I'm 30 Years Old True Story An I Wanted To Thank You For That Card You Sent Me An my Mom The Otherday It Was A Good Card However I Wanted To Inform You That I Cannot Read Cursive I've Tried I Believe When I Was In MiddleSchool  Somewhere Over There But Otherthan That I Prefer Print So If You Want To Just Write Something In Print Then I'm Okay With That An If You Want To Write Something In Cursive Then I'm Pretty Sure my Mom Is Okay With That True Story An Don't Forget You Told Me An Luci That Your Thinking About Getting A Dog So Hows That Coming Along ? An Would You Please Try An Tell Your Boss Nancy That I Said Hello An Happy Belated Mother's Day

Inspecting the garden, specifically the squash and corn last year, August.

Inventory with a Checklist!

I love organization and order…but don’t incorporate these ideals into everything. As I replicate the programs I’ve started, I see the need for order in the tasks that I am handing off to others. In developing job aids, I asked for Faith, who does marketing/projects for No More Empty Pots to beautify the Checklist I’d developed for the Mosaic Food Hub team. From what I drafted as a spreadsheet, Faith crafted into a concise, easy to understand checklist.

When we started our Inventory task for the first time with these checklists and new gel pens, it was instant connectedness for our Mosaic team. They were self-directed, engaged and efficient. It was a wonder to behold. The work they could do when provided with the proper tools. Tears are running down my cheeks now when I think about the lack of tools I’ve provided and expected them to understand what to do. Onto more checklists and job aids for future successes!

Finally down to counting plates, bowls and cups!

Sacred Seeds Garden - April Update

Things are starting to bloom…and beds are coming into shape. Just behind Glen you can see the state of some of our soil. On the top right of the same photo, you can see new compost distributed.

Moving it around, digging to turn the soil has been arduous work but it’s so peaceful in the garden. The time evaporates while you are there, but your muscles remind you when you get home.