Healthy Community
We promote healthier, stronger, and more connected communities through programs that improve social connection, well-being, mental & physical health. From community gardening and recreational activities to healthy aging initiatives, our programs help reduce loneliness and isolation while encouraging active, healthy lifestyles for people of all ages.
Community GardenÂ
Community Garden Program
The Meadow Grass Community Garden which was launched in 2023 by the city of Cottage Groove Washington County, Association of Master Gardeners & Influencer Hotspot (African Community resource Center) began with approximately 50 garden plots has grown to more than 100 plots, serving over 100 families from diverse African and immigrant communities, as well as families from many other parts of the world.
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Today, the Community Garden is recognized as one of the most culturally diverse community gardens in Minnesota, bringing together people from different countries, cultures, languages, and backgrounds around a shared commitment to healthy living, community connection, and self-sufficiency.
Our Purpose
The Community Garden was established to increase access to fresh, affordable, organically grown, and culturally relevant foods that are often difficult to find in local grocery stores. By enabling families to grow their own fruits, vegetables, and traditional crops, the garden helps reduce food insecurity and supports greater household stability. Gardening also encourages physical activity, time outdoors, and healthier lifestyles, all of which contribute to improved overall health, social connection and well-being. In addition, the garden serves as a space where elders can pass down agricultural knowledge, farming skills, and traditional practices to younger generations, helping preserve cultural identity and heritage.
Gallery
Visual highlights from projectsÂ
Kids and Adults TennisÂ
Kids and Adults Tennis Program
The African Community Resource Center's Kids and Adults Tennis Program was launched in 2022 to promote health, social connection, and community well-being by reducing isolation and loneliness among children, youth, and adults.
For the past four years, the program has provided a welcoming and inclusive environment where participants of all ages can learn tennis, stay physically active, build confidence, and develop meaningful relationships within their community.
Our Purpose
The Tennis Program was created to:
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Reduce social isolation and loneliness by bringing individuals and families together through recreation.
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Encourage healthy lifestyles through regular physical activity and movement.
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Support positive mental health by providing opportunities for recreation, stress relief, and social engagement.
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Build confidence, teamwork, and resilience through sports and skill development.
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Create opportunities for children, youth, and adults from diverse backgrounds to connect, learn, and grow together.
Gallery
Visual highlights from recent
projectsÂ
Elders Program
The Elders Healthy Aging Program was created to:
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Promote healthy and active aging among older adults.
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Reduce loneliness and social isolation by creating regular opportunities for connection and fellowship.
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Improve physical health through age-appropriate movement and exercise.
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Support mental and emotional well-being through learning, social engagement, and shared experiences.
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Celebrate cultural diversity by encouraging participants to share traditions, recipes, and life experiences with one another.
The African Community Resource Center's Elders Healthy Aging Program was established to support older adults in living healthy, active, and connected lives. Running successfully for the past year, the program provides a welcoming space where elders can gather, learn, socialize, and participate in activities that promote healthy aging and overall mental, physical health and well-being.
The program recognizes that healthy aging extends beyond physical health. It also includes maintaining meaningful social connections, lifelong learning, emotional wellness, and active participation in community life.
Elders Healthy Aging Program
Our Purpose
Gallery
Visual highlights from recent
projectsÂ
