THE CHATFIELD VETERAN REINTEGRATION PROGRAM

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1 THE CHATFIELD VETERAN REINTEGRATION PROGRAM Are you looking for a meaningful way to transition your military skills to the civilian world? The Chatfield Veteran Reintegration Program will help veterans attain sustainable farming skills and translate military experience into a civilian career through volunteer work at our Community Supporting Agriculture (CSA) program. About the Chatfield CSA This 5-acre farm provides fresh local produce to Colorado families and local nonprofit organizations. The Chatfield CSA offers shares for purchase to Denver Botanic Gardens members and the community, creating a reciprocal relationship between the farm and the community. About the Program Denver Botanic Gardens is looking for volunteers to work one shift a week from the following time offerings: 8 a.m. - noon on Thursday mornings, 5-8 p.m. on Thursday evenings or 8 a.m. - noon on Saturday mornings starting May through October. While a six-month commitment is preferred, we will consider a three month commitment in certain circumstances. Benefits of volunteering include: Learn the art and skill of sustainable farming Translate military experience into a civilian career Opportunity to network with volunteers who represent a wide spectrum of industries and backgrounds Participation in a program that seeks to educate and provide the general public with fresh, healthy food options Cultivate an enhanced sense of companionship with your peers, your families and the community as a whole Receive a partial share of vegetables produced Drawing from the CSA concept of community supporting agriculture, the Chatfield Veteran Reintegration Program seeks to cultivate a reciprocal relationship between the community and our veterans. We invite and encourage the exchange of knowledge, support and relationship between the Gardens, the community and the veteran population. We hope this program will extend a profound and resounding welcome home to our returning veterans. For more information and to become involved, contact Emilee Vanderneut, program manager, at (phone) or (cell), or by at Emilee.Vanderneut@botanicgardens.org.

2 THE CHATFIELD VETERAN REINTEGRATION PROGRAM Position Title: Chatfield CSA Farm Apprentice Position Summary: Program participants will assist Community Supporting Agriculture (CSA) staff with various sustainable farming tasks during the growing season (May-October). Participants will maintain five acres of production fields, harvest crops and prepare them for distribution to community shareholders. Participants will assist the program manager of the Chatfield Veteran Reintegration Program to develop and create a successful, effective reintegration program that is pertinent to the veteran population and their unique needs and skill sets. Duties: Will perform sustainable farming tasks that promote the health and productivity of crop vegetables from seedling/seed to the point of harvest and distribution. Amend soil/prepare beds: add compost, rototill, remove debris Install drip and overhead irrigation systems Planting: plant bulk seeds and seedlings into prepared fields Maintain crop quality: weed beds and aisles, trellis and prune, manage pest issues, assess water needs, fertilize crops Harvest: tasks will range from digging up roots and harvesting herbs and greens to picking squash, cucumbers and other vegetables Food preparation: ensure crops are cleaned, weighed and prepared for distribution Distribution: assist with set-up, stocking produce and breaking down event Time Commitment: Participants are asked to work one shift a week from the following time offerings: 8 a.m. - noon on Thursday mornings, 5-8 p.m. on Thursday evenings or 8 a.m. - noon on Saturday mornings for the duration of the program. Participants can choose to volunteer their time for three months (May - July) or for six months (May - October). A six-month time commitment is preferred and recommended for maximum benefit to the participant. Training: Participants will be trained in a group setting or on a one-on-one basis by Chatfield CSA staff on a daily basis. Most training occurs out in the fields with hands-on demonstrations by the CSA employees. No previous training in farming is required to participate in this program. Site: The Chatfield CSA is located at Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield. Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Road Littleton, CO The farm is nestled at the base of the foothills, 30 minutes south of Denver. This location experiences high winds, flying dust and allergens, direct sunlight (very little shade) and muddy conditions. Chatfield is also very peaceful and quiet, is surrounded by mature cottonwood trees, blooms with native flowers, is frequented by an array of wildlife and has a wide-open, country feel.

3 Qualifications Needed: Please note that physical conditions and/or limitations will not exclude anyone from consideration into the Chatfield Veteran Reintegration Program. Our program is designed to accommodate and welcome a large range of abilities. Some of the basic qualifications for the program are as follows: Positive, willing attitude Ability to work courteously one-on-one, in groups or around the general public Ability to work outdoors in hot, dusty and exposed conditions Ability to bend at the waist, lift 25 lbs., and kneel for extended periods of time Ability to traverse across muddy, uneven terrain Willingness to participate in written volunteer experience surveys Willingness and ability to arrive on time to scheduled shifts Supervisor: All questions/comments/concerns should be directed to: Emilee Vanderneut Program Manager, Chatfield Veteran Reintegration Program Office: Cell: emilee.vanderneut@botanicgardens.org Benefits: Learn the art, science and skills of sustainable farming Translate military experience into a civilian career Opportunity to network with volunteers who represent a wide spectrum of industries and backgrounds Participation in a program that seeks to educate and provide the general public with fresh, healthy food options Cultivate an enhanced sense of companionship with your peers, your families and the community as a whole Receive a partial share of vegetables produced

4 NAME: DATE: PHONE: CITY OF RESIDENCE: 1. What branch of the military did you serve in? Army Navy Marines Air Force 2. How long did you serve? 3. What is your current service status? 4. What was your MOS (job)? 5. Did you deploy to Iraq and/or Afghanistan? YES NO If so, how long was your deployment? 6. Did you sustain any combat injuries? YES NO Are there any special accommodations that you require as a result of your injuries? YES NO *Note physical challenges will not exclude you from consideration. If yes, please explain:

5 7. Rate your level of interest in the field of agriculture: Agriculture is defined as: The science, art or practice of cultivating the soil, producing crops and raising livestock, and in varying degrees the preparation and marketing of the resulting products. No Interest Not Sure Moderately Interested Interested Extremely Interested 8. Rate your level of interest in the field of horticulture: Horticulture is defined as: The art and science of growing fruits, vegetables, flowers or ornamental plants. No Interest Not Sure Moderately Interested Interested Extremely Interested 9. Do you have any past experience working in the field of agriculture? YES NO If so, how long? 0 1 year 2 3 years 4 5 years more than 5 years In what state did you gain your experience? 10. Do you have any past experience working in the field of horticulture? YES NO If so, how long? 0 1 year 2 3 years 4 5 years more than 5 years In what state did you gain your experience? 11. The art and science of farming is centered on the farmer s ability to maintain consistency. The quality of the crops, the CSA staff and fellow veteran participants rely on your ability to attend scheduled shifts with a positive attitude. If you are chosen to participate in this program, can you commit to consistently attend your scheduled shift every Thursday or Saturday for 3 months or for 6 months? Check one. 3 months 6 months 12. Are you comfortable working in groups of people and around the general public? YES NO

6 SHORT-ANSWER QUESTIONS Thank you for taking the time to complete the following short-answer questions. Please use a separate piece of paper to hand write or type the answers to the following questions. There are no length requirements for your answers. 1. Why do you want to participate in the Chatfield CSA Reintegration Program? What inspired you to apply for the program and what do you hope to gain from the program? 2. If you have had experience in the agriculture or horticulture fields, please explain what you most liked about the experience and what you most disliked. If you have not had experience in the agriculture or horticulture fields, please explain what you think you will like most about the experience and what you might like the least. 3. What traits/values/skills can you individually contribute to the team atmosphere and productivity of the farm? 4. What does the word community mean to you? Who/what/where do you consider as part of your community and how has it contributed or not contributed to your personal growth? Please return this form by mail or to the following: Emilee Vanderneut, program manager, Chatfield Veteran Reintegration Program Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Road Littleton, CO Office: Cell: emilee.vanderneut@botanicgardens.org