BoysGrow’s eco-friendly expansion
BoysGrow plans to officially break ground in mid-February on a 3,000-square-foot industrial kitchen. Construction was scheduled to begin in November but was held up for specialized construction materials, then bad weather.
“The very innovative approach that we’re doing takes a little longer,” says John Gordon, BoysGrow founder and executive director.
The new farm kitchen will be one of only 250 certified “Passive House” buildings nationwide. With airtight construction, energy efficient insulation, smart vapor barrier and solar panels, it will enhance health and use 85-90 percent less energy than conventional buildings. While construction isn’t yet “in full swing,” there’s other work underway on the 10-acre farm.
“At least a dozen boys are hands-on in actual building, and all the kids will be involved in some capacity in marketing it,” Gordon says.
BoysGrow organizers tapped Prairie Design Build, a local trailblazer in Passive House design for the cutting-edge farm kitchen.
“Part of our mission is to be good stewards of the land, environmentally conscious so we chose a young construction firm specializing in environmental design,” Gordon says. “We wanted to expose our youths to really aggressive eco-friendly building.”
The industrial kitchen with walk-in coolers and wash stations will enable BoysGrow to increase annual food production from 20,000 to 75,000 pounds. They sell the organic produce and donate 1,000 pounds to local food banks and shelters. Each year, BoysGrow boys develop and market a new product made from harvested crops.
Through farming and agriculture, BoysGrow teaches urban boys, ages 14 to 16 about entrepreneurism. The two-year, year-round program has had a life-changing impact on participants, such as José González who spent two years as a student and one as a mentor.
“BoysGrow played a pretty pivotal part in his life,” Gordon says. “José was shy and reclusive when he came but very quickly was able to speak to people and be a good salesman. It enabled him to speak for himself, and that’s a big deal.”
Now a freshman at University of Central Missouri, González is studying abroad this semester in Spain, applying the skills he learned at BoysGrow.
“It’s a great program that really helps put young men on the right path for what they want to do,” he wrote in an email to 2más2KC. “You learn a lot about yourself and the outside world … make great memories with your farm brothers … acquire skills that you’ll use for the rest of your life … and meet great mentors who genuinely want to see you succeed.”
Gordon says the enthusiastic community support BoysGrow gets is humbling. Generous donors have brought it within $125,000 of a $1 million expansion goal. The farm kitchen is part of the expansion, along with the municipal farms restoration project on 20 acres BoysGrow leased from the city in 2014.
“The boys have been clearing trails, eradicating invasive plants and remediating the soil,” Gordon says.
Eighth graders interested in BoysGrow and willing to make a two-year commitment can apply in March. Applicants must have an interest in agriculture, construction, culinary arts, graphic design, public speaking, sales, animals or landscaping. English fluency isn’t required. Phone or email Gordon at 773-793-5056 or jgordonkc@gmail.com.
González encourages boys to apply.
“It’s easily one of the best things you can do for yourself during your early years of high school. You learn to interact with all kinds of new people, communicate better, be more comfortable in your own skin. You’ll make strong connections with people and businesses around the city,” he says. “If you like good food, money and … dogs, it’s the place for you.”
