Niagara Gospel Mission launches garden program for residents in new healthy living & life skills initiative

Niagara Gospel Mission Press Release & Photo

Niagara Gospel Mission has launched a new gardening program for its residence. The “Mission Garden” was established in 2024 by resident Tim Flagler. He had an abundant harvest of tomatoes in year one and set out to expand.

Flagler, a current NGM resident, along with program director Ken Good, officially launched a gardening program this year for all residents willing to participate. The garden has brought cucumbers, beans, squash, radishes, turnips and cilantro. Soon, basil, peppers and a boatload of tomatoes will arrive. In addition, asparagus, blackberries, grapes and rhubarb have been planted with 2026 in mind.

The vision for the garden is to provide vegetables, herbs, fruits and flowers for the NGM kitchen and for the residents of Niagara Falls. In April, seven residents came together and planted seeds in trays. It was a late start, and next year the group plans on starting the seeds under lights in late winter.

Flagler was assisted by two other residents in tilling the ground. Several groups from the organization YouthWorks assisted in the effort of preparing and planting. Other residents and those who require community service for their housing have also helped with watering and shaping the tomato plants.

One especially gratifying moment came in the recent NGM "Meat & Greet" event. Corn and tomatoes were harvested on site. What is better than a fresh tomato sliced onto a hamburger? For some, it was the grilled corn on the cob! These simple summer treasures were enjoyed by the dozen NGM residents in attendance.

“The garden is both helpful to the health of the mission residents, and a metaphor for a flourishing future,” Good said. “Perhaps in coming years, lots can be used throughout the city and in conjunction with other interested gardeners. May the abundance and fullness modeled by a thriving vegetable come to the City of Niagara Falls!”

Located at 1317 Portage Road in Niagara Falls Niagara Gospel Mission is a 501 (c)(3) Christian nonprofit providing services to the homeless and poor of WNY. Visit niagaragospemission.org to learn more.

Submitted photo