Who We Are
The seeds of Growing Hope Cayuga were sown years ago when Cayuga County dairy farmers Dennis and Diane Eldred became involved in humanitarian projects in Mozambique and Madagascar through the Food Resources Bank, a nonprofit founded in 1999 by Ohio farmers Vernon and Carol Sloan, which later became Growing Hope Globally.
A Growing Hope event was held March 8, 2024 in Cayuga County at Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES and was well attended. Through a facilitated discussion led by Ed Staehr, participants shared key takeaways and next steps which led to development of a Growing Hope Action Plan. The plan reflects input from Cayuga County FFA students, educators, business leaders and community supporters. Southern Cayuga FFA, Moravia FFA and Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES FFA students participated.
Growing Hope Cayuga was formed in 2024 to oversee implementation of the plan and future initiatives. The organization is governed by a five-member Board including Tricia Kerr, Ed Staehr, Doug Young, Barb Sroka and Rich Kane.
Our Purpose
Growing Hope Cayuga seeks to foster empathy, compassion and shared purpose to accelerate an end to hunger and malnutrition around the world through positive youth development and collective action.
Growing Hope Cayuga will empower Cayuga County youth to play an active role in ending hunger and malnutrition through service-based learning projects. Future Farmers of America, 4-H and other youth organizations will be supported to produce food and raise funds for sustainable hunger solutions.
Growing Hope Cayuga will provide resources including funding and technical assistance to advance Growing Hope Globally and Locally projects in Cayuga County. Funds may be used for supplies, equipment, stipends and other related expenses to launch or expand service projects. Resources and technical assistance produce sustainable, lasting impacts via providing training and tools to create positive change in families and communities.
Growing Hope Cayuga will support the creation of hands-on educational opportunities for youth to learn about food systems, soil science, plant and animal science, environmental stewardship, leadership development, business, international development, charitable giving, and other relevant subjects through Growing Hope projects.