New Beginnings Farm at
YWCA Delaware

USDA-Certified Urban Farm

Growing Nourishment, Skills & Opportunity.

For more than 15 years, YWCA Delaware’s Home‑Life Management Center has nurtured a flourishing editable garden — a space where growth, healing, and new beginnings take root.

Established in 2011 under the direction of Dr. Patricia Pettaway, YWCA Delaware’s former Chief Housing Officer, the garden was built with the support of dedicated community volunteers, including Dr. McDevit and Dr. Teague from the University of Delaware Associate in Arts Program.

Under the leadership of Lisa Forever, LMSW, MSCJ, YWCA Delaware’s Chief Housing and Community Impact Officer, the garden has continued to expand in size, purpose and impact.

The space blossomed even further on June 25, 2026, when the New Beginnings Farm at Home‑Life was officially designated as a USDA Certified Urban Farm in the State of Delaware.

This milestone marks a new chapter — one that strengthens food access, deepens hands‑on learning, and expands opportunities for families building stability and independence.

Nourishing Families

The New Beginnings Garden helps ensure that families have access to healthy, fresh food. Produce grown in the garden — including vegetables, herbs, and seasonal crops — supports residents and complements the services of YWCA Delaware’s People’s Pantry.

What Our Farm Offers

Learn more about what we grow, our farm features, and our farm based education endeavors.

Our USDA‑certified urban farm produces a vibrant variety of herbs, vegetables, and flowers throughout the year, including:

  • Basil

  • Rosemary

  • Tomatoes

  • Eggplant

  • Carrots

  • Lavender

  • Seasonal flowers

  • Additional rotating herbs and crops

Each harvest supports families at Home‑Life and strengthens our community food pantry.

The New Beginnings Farm includes:

  • Raised garden beds

  • Greenhouse with seasonal planting zones

  • Pollinator‑friendly flowers

  • Composting and soil‑health stations

  • Outdoor learning areas

  • A greenhouse and expanded growing space (optional to add if applicable)

These features allow us to grow more food, offer more education, and welcome more community involvement.

As a USDA‑certified urban farm, our space now serves as a dynamic learning environment where participants can build practical skills that support independence and long‑term stability.

Educational opportunities include:

  • Urban agriculture & organic growing practices

  • Soil health, composting & sustainability

  • Planting, harvesting & seasonal crop planning

  • Nutrition, healthy cooking & farm‑to‑table learning

  • Environmental awareness & stewardship

  • Youth and family workshops

Hands‑on learning empowers residents to grow food, grow confidence, and grow new futures.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers play an essential role in keeping the New Beginnings Garden growing.

Opportunities include:

  • Planting and harvesting

  • Garden maintenance

  • Seasonal clean-up

  • Supporting educational activities

  • Assisting with produce distribution

Whether you have gardening experience or are just getting started, your time can make a real difference. Sign up to volunteer here.

YWCA Delaware is grateful to our community partners for helping bring the New Beginnings Farm to life.