Changing Birmingham // Rosedale Youth Garden

Living in Birmingham for the majority of my life, I have grown accustomed to seeing poverty in our city. And that is the problem. People are used to it. Fortunately, Birmingham as a city is growing and becoming more economical. And our city is giving back more than ever. 

My dad, Terry Slaughter, is one of those givers. He always has been. And he does not do it for the recognition. But people should hear about the great things he is doing for our city. We need more Terry Slaughters in this world. 

For over ten years my dad has had this vision of helping a low-income community in Homewood called Rosedale. It is a historic community that has lost so much. When Homewood schools and parks were desegregated, Rosedale lost the schools, parks, and centers of its community. These losses led to further decline. 

Many people drive past the small community without even noticing it. But my dad did. He created a program for youth in the area to learn sustainable gardening. The Rosedale Youth Garden is a faith based initiative in the community. The garden is vibrant and full of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. All planted by the community youth. 

The local youth are hired to build and plant the gardens, which provides them with valuable work experience. An experience that could change their lives. The mission is to inspire the community. 

Not only do they come to grow plants, but they come to grow their faith. A weekly bible study brings in dozens of youth who are eager to learn about Christ. 

It is funded through his non-profit organization called The Simon Cyrene Group. Simon Cyrene was the man who helped Christ carry the load of the cross. He refused to stand by and watch the struggle. The organization is dedicated to used creativity to help lighten the burdens of others. These youth face so much in their daily lives, that a weekly escape to the garden is exactly what can help them find the right path. It is crucial to teach them about giving back and the importance of Christ at such a blossoming age. 

Although the Rosedale community is skeptical of change and many residents do not agree with the presence of The Rosedale Garden, by dad remains confident that this will grow into a larger organization and even more will get involved. He is choosing not to be a bystander. 

I am lucky enough to help when I can at The Rosedale Garden. Sometimes it means going to pick out the produce and vegetables from the local nursery. But it also means getting out in the dirt to plant. Both are enriching and rewarding. 

In the end it really is a ripple effect. Much like a pebble hitting the water, creating impact, spreading far, touching all in its apath. Every ripple leads to the next. Everything is connected. One impact leads to another. So get out there. Create a ripple. 

To find out how you can help, visit the Simon Cyrene website.