Thank you for your interest in joining our community garden family! Your willingness to contribute to our mission of growing healthy food and building stronger communities means the world to us and the east side families we serve together.
Since the very beginning of our garden, volunteers have been its lifeblood. Season after season, they’ve shown up to bring fresh produce to our community, and I realize now that I haven’t told them nearly enough how much they mean to me.
This year has been especially challenging. Moving back to Houston in 2025 was the right choice for my health, but it meant leaning on others more than I ever expected. And my volunteers stepped up in the most beautiful way.
Rico Espinosa, one of our parishioners, brought his friend Elizabeth to help. Selima, who works with our children’s programs, showed up too. Even people I didn’t know came to lend a hand. City workers gave their time to help us get the garden set up. These amazing people kept the garden alive when I couldn’t be there the way I wanted to be.
I’ll be honest—I’ve felt guilty. Surgery and physical setbacks left me behind on everything garden-related. Just when we were gaining momentum, I had to slow down. But that’s when I realized something important: I don’t say “thank you” nearly enough.
I’ve also learned that volunteers need more than appreciation—they need clear communication and direction. That’s something I’m working on.
But what I want every volunteer to know is this: I love you with all my heart. You are the reason this garden exists and thrives. I remember the days before we had irrigation, when volunteers hand-watered everything. Without you, we wouldn’t have made it.
I have one more surgery ahead, but I’m hopeful that afterward I’ll have more energy to give back to those who’ve given so much. I want to build better systems and clearer schedules so everyone knows how they can help.
To every volunteer who’s ever picked up a tool, planted a seed, or simply shown up: you are the petals of our flower, the heart of our garden, and the soul of our community. Thank you for being my champions, my lifeline, and my inspiration.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener, a tech-savvy organizer, or someone who simply wants to make a difference in your community, you’ve found the perfect starting point for your volunteer journey with us. This hub is designed to help us match your unique skills and interests with the areas where you can make the biggest impact. Our garden thrives because of volunteers like you who bring diverse skills and passions to our shared mission. Here are the key areas where we’re actively seeking support:
Experience the deeply satisfying cycle of nurturing plants from seed to harvest! While garden work can be physically demanding, there’s nothing quite like watching your efforts bloom into something beautiful and nourishing for our community. Whether you’re weeding beds under the morning sun, carefully pruning plants for optimal growth, implementing natural pest control methods, feeding our plants with compost and nutrients, or maintaining our garden spaces, every task connects you directly to the life-giving work that sustains our neighborhood families.
Help keep our garden running smoothly behind the scenes through communications, volunteer onboarding, scheduling coordination, managing necessary forms and documentation, and maintaining organizational checklists and systems.
Join our sustainability efforts by helping with composting operations, teaching community members about waste reduction, and maintaining our composting systems that turn kitchen scraps into garden gold.
Connect with our neighbors through event planning, social media management, community presentations, partnership development with local organizations, and helping welcome new garden families.
Nurture new life in our garden through seed starting, plant care and maintenance, transplanting seedlings, maintaining our nursery areas, and sharing gardening knowledge with other volunteers.
Take care of our volunteer family by coordinating nutrition and hydration for work days, organizing volunteer appreciation events, and ensuring our volunteers feel valued and supported.
Help us gather the tools and supplies that keep our volunteers safe and comfortable, including securing donations of t-shirts, work boots, gloves, first aid supplies, and other essential volunteer resources.
This onboarding process will help us learn about your interests, availability, and skills so we can connect you with volunteer opportunities that energize and fulfill you. We believe that when volunteers are matched with roles that suit their talents and passions, everyone benefits – you’ll enjoy your time more, and our garden community grows stronger.
Ready to get started? Simply click on one of the action buttons above, and after completing steps 1 and 2 of onboarding, we’ll be in touch to discuss the perfect volunteer role for you. Welcome to our garden family – we’re so grateful you’re here!
Together, we’re growing more than vegetables – we’re cultivating community, health, and hope in our neighborhood.
St. Vincent DePaul Community Garden
303 Vargas Alley, San Antonio, Texas 78203, United States
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