Girls Inc. Youth Farm
About Girls Inc. Youth Farm
The Girls Inc. Youth Farm in Frayser is a thriving hub for youth development, community engagement, and sustainable agriculture. Located at 1179 Dellwood, the Youth Farm serves as a space where girls can cultivate leadership skills, learn about sustainable farming, and connect with their community.
Empowering Girls and Transforming Communities
As part of Girls Inc. of Memphis, the Youth Farm embodies the organization’s mission to empower girls to be strong, smart, and bold. The facility reflects decades of dedication to creating opportunities for girls to grow, lead, and make a difference in their communities. With the expansion of the Youth Farm, we’re taking this mission to new heights.
The Vision: A State-of-the-Art Facility
Construction is underway on a $7 million, solar-powered “big barn” structure, which will span four acres of the farm’s 9.5-acre property. Slated for completion in early 2023, this innovative space will include:
- Administrative Offices: A hub for the Girls Inc. of Memphis team.
- Community Gathering Space: Featuring a teaching kitchen, stage, and areas for collaboration.
- Farm Programming Facility: A dedicated space for hands-on farming education and activities.
- Outdoor Learning Labs: Interactive spaces to enhance agricultural and environmental education.
Additionally, the farm will expand its crop production from two acres to six acres, allowing for more opportunities to grow fresh produce and strengthen connections to the land.
Community Impact
The Youth Farm isn’t just a space for growing food—it’s a place for cultivating community. Along Baskin Street, a community market stand will offer fresh, locally grown produce for sale, creating opportunities for both Girls Inc. participants and local farmers to share their harvests. This farm-to-table initiative will directly connect the community with sustainable agriculture practices.
Honoring Patricia C. Howard
The expanded facility is named after Patricia C. Howard, the first Black staff member of Girls Inc. of Memphis, honoring her legacy of leadership and advocacy for girls in our community.
A Broader Commitment to Memphis
The Frayser Youth Farm is part of a larger investment in Memphis neighborhoods, with Girls Inc. renovating facilities in South Park (38111) and Uptown (38107) and participating in the redevelopment of the Martin Luther King Transition Academy in South Memphis (38126).
Meet the Farm Director
Under the guidance of Jalen Prater, the Director of the Girls Inc. Youth Farm, this program is thriving as a center of education and empowerment. With a passion for sustainable agriculture and youth development, Jalen is committed to helping girls unlock their potential and make a lasting impact in their communities.
📩 Contact Jalen Prater:
Email: jprater@girlsincmemphis.org
Phone: 901-523-0217
Get Involved on the Farm
We invite you to join our mission! Here’s how you can get involved:
- Volunteer with Us: Be part of the change by lending your time and skills. Sign up for volunteer opportunities through our partnership with Volunteer Odyssey. Whether it’s helping with farm tasks, community events, or educational workshops, we have a place for everyone.
- Donate to the Goat Fund: Help us make our vision a reality by supporting the farm’s goat program! Scan the QR code below to contribute to our Goat Fund Donation Site and support the care of our animals and farm operations.
Support the Farm
Your contributions directly impact the success of the Youth Farm and the future of the girls we serve. Thank you for helping us grow a stronger, smarter, and bolder community!
Together, we’re not just growing food—we’re growing futures.