Our Story
The seed of Gardopia Gardens was planted in 2012 by our founder Stephen Lucke while at the University of the Incarnate Word. He started a community garden at UIW in order to address the obesity epidemic that is affecting our nation. Through nutrition and exercise he helped raise awareness about the importance of wellness in our daily lives. In 2015 Gardopia was officially found in the state of Texas. Since starting the UIW Garden, Stephen has went on with UIW and other organizations to help establish and maintain many more educational gardens.
Our Project
Gardopia is now establishing a wellness center on the city's Eastside. The wellness center location has historically been a hotspot for violent criminal activity. Gardopia hopes to change this situation by offering wellness based programming throughout the week and educating homeless / at-risk youth on how to lead healthier lifestyles. If we reach our fundraising goal we will create a safe-haven for youth and adults alike to exercise, eat healthy food, enjoy a peaceful garden, and socialize with neighbors. Amenities that more affluent neighborhoods in San Antonio have access too.
Why It Matters
The city's Eastside has been divested in for decades. Streets are dilapidated, houses are vacant, feral dogs are rampant, and fast-food restaurants are numerous. There are only two grocery stores in a 10 mile radius, essentially making this area a food desert. Poverty and obesity are highly linked since access to fresh produce and exercise facilities are limited. By building the wellness center we will be alleviating those challenges. Furthermore, by creating a healthy atmosphere for the community to gather, we will help foster a sense of unity, targeting a root cause of the violent acivity.
Our Team
Gardopia has been working with numerous partners in the area, most noted a non-profit coalition called the Resurgence Collaborative. The San Antonio Housing Authority (SAHA), Eastside Promise Neighborhood (EPN), San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD), San Antonio Police Department (SAPD), City Council District 2 (D2), and many of the local businesses / churches have been integral to Gardopia taking root at our Eastside location. We will continue to work with local businesses and residents to successfully implement our wellness center!
How You Can Help
By donating to our Start Some Good Campaign you can directly help finance the wellness center. At current we have a community garden that SAHA has helped finance, but we need so much more. We don't even own the end that the garden sits on, so that is our first step in realizing this dream. No gift is too big or small, and every contribution is tax-deductible!
Social Media
Facebook: Gardopia Gardens
Twitter: @GardopiaGardens
Instagram: @GardopiaGardens
