Growing Grounds Santa Maria: Why Educators Are Paying Attention
- 01. What Is Growing Grounds Santa Maria?
- 02. How Growing Grounds Challenges Traditional Learning Models
- 03. Key Differences Between Growing Grounds and Traditional Education
- 04. Vocational Training and Horticultural Therapy Core Services
- 05. The Therapeutic Benefits of Nature-Based Work
- 06. Program Impact and Measurable Outcomes Since 2000
- 07. Funding Challenges and Prop 1 Impact on Vocational Programs
- 08. How to Visit or Support Growing Grounds Santa Maria
What Is Growing Grounds Santa Maria?
Growing Grounds Santa Maria is a nonprofit vocational program launched in October 2000 that combines horticultural therapy with paid job training for adults living with mental illness. Operating on a three-acre farm at 820 W. Foster Road in Santa Maria, California, the program is run by the Transitions-Mental Health Association (TMHA) and has served nearly 3,000 participants across its 25-year history.
The farm produces pesticide-free vegetables, fruits, and cut flowers while providing participants with paid employment, skill-building opportunities, and a supportive community environment where personal growth and recovery can flourish.
How Growing Grounds Challenges Traditional Learning Models
Unlike conventional classroom-based education, Growing Grounds Santa Maria implements experiential learning through hands-on agricultural work that integrates therapeutic principles with vocational skills development. This approach directly challenges traditional learning by placing participants in real-world work environments where they earn paychecks while building confidence.
Michael Kaplan, community engagement director at TMHA, explained that employment is key to self-sufficiency and having a sense of purpose with somewhere to go each day. The program demonstrates that meaningful work combined with therapeutic support can produce measurable outcomes that traditional educational settings often struggle to achieve.
Key Differences Between Growing Grounds and Traditional Education
| Feature | Traditional Classroom Learning | Growing Grounds Model |
|---|---|---|
| Learning Environment | Indoor classroom setting | Outdoor 3-acre farm |
| Primary Method | Lectures and worksheets | Hands-on horticultural work |
| Compensation | No payment | Paid employment ($15-18/hour) |
| Therapeutic Component | Separate counseling services | Integrated horticultural therapy |
| Social Connection | Structured group work | Morning circle rituals + peer support |
| Outcome Measurement | Grades and test scores | Job placement + recovery progress |
Vocational Training and Horticultural Therapy Core Services
Growing Grounds Santa Maria provides comprehensive job-skills training through every aspect of farm production, from propagation and seeding to weeding, harvesting, flower-arranging, and direct customer sales at the farm stand.
- Job-skills training through the use of horticultural therapy
- Work experience in agricultural production and customer service
- Opportunities for job advancement and increased responsibility
- Daily contact with co-workers and an on-site mental health worker
- A safe, supervised environment for strengthening social skills among peers
- Connection to community jobs through an on-site Vocational Specialist
- A job and a paycheck for all participants
Participants work varying shifts from 3-20 hours per week in an environment that rewards personal growth, responsibility, and initiative.
The Therapeutic Benefits of Nature-Based Work
Work such as potting small plants, weeding, and harvesting offers a calming, meditative routine similar to the peace people find in nature, according to Kaplan. Beyond working with nature, both Kaplan and assistant manager Keith Bartlett emphasized the importance of social connection, noting that mental illness often leads people to isolate.
Each shift begins with a morning circle where workers and staff gather for stretches and a fun question of the day, such as "What's your favorite way to eat a potato?" This ritual helps people feel part of a group even if they choose not to speak, fostering community and friendship.
"It's so wonderful. I don't have words to describe it. This is my happy place." - Susana Rios, Growing Grounds participant arranging fresh-cut flowers
Program Impact and Measurable Outcomes Since 2000
For four decades, the Growing Grounds Nursery has provided paid employment and vocational training to over 2,000 people living with mental illness. With the addition of the Growing Grounds Downtown Store and Growing Grounds Santa Maria Farm, the number rises to nearly 3,000 participants.
Statistics demonstrate the program's significant impact:
- 90% of adults living with serious mental illness are unemployed; Growing Grounds represents a significant first step to return to work
- The Santa Maria farm alone has served over 1,000 adults living with mental illness across 25 years
- Many workers find jobs in local markets, restaurants, or service industry roles after completing the program
- A handful of TMHA staff members started at Growing Grounds, including one former participant now working for Santa Barbara County Behavioral Wellness
- Horticultural therapy studies show increased mental well-being, engagement, and sense of meaningfulness
Funding Challenges and Prop 1 Impact on Vocational Programs
Funding remains one of the biggest challenges for Growing Grounds Farm. The program relies not only on farm stand sales but on grants and support from the county's Behavioral Wellness Department to stay afloat.
California's Proposition 1, passed in 2024, will reshuffle funding and direct billions of dollars toward inpatient and outpatient treatment beds for mental health and permanent supportive housing. This has raised concerns about whether smaller vocational programs like Growing Grounds will continue receiving adequate support as priorities shift.
Kaplan noted that preventive services-a program category that has long been one of TMHA's greatest strengths-may see close to 70% in funding reductions within two years.
How to Visit or Support Growing Grounds Santa Maria
The farm stand offers pesticide-free produce and fresh-cut flowers to the community. Starting the week after the 25th anniversary celebration, the Growing Grounds farm stand will be open six days per week.
| Service | Hours | Days |
|---|---|---|
| Farm Stand | 12 Noon - 3 pm | Thursdays only |
| Plant Sales | 10 am - 4 pm | Monday - Friday |
| Plant Sales | 10 am - 1 pm | Saturdays |
| Expanded Stand | 10 am - 4 pm | Monday - Friday |
| Expanded Stand | 10 am - 3 pm | Saturdays |
Location: 820 W. Foster Road (corner of Foster and California, next to the Sheriff station), Santa Maria, CA 93455
For free, confidential mental health guidance or crisis support in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, TMHA's Central Coast Hotline is available 24/7 by calling or texting 800.783.0607.
Expert answers to Growing Grounds Santa Maria Why Educators Are Paying Attention queries
Who Can Work at Growing Grounds?
Most employees are referred by the Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness. Employees are diagnosed with persistent illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, or major depression.
What Crops Does Growing Grounds Santa Maria Produce?
The farm produces mixed lettuce blends, carrots, broccolini, corn, more than 30 tomato varieties in spring, persimmons, figs, and seasonal cut flowers including zinnias. A small citrus orchard is under development, and a new pumpkin patch opened for families in fall 2025.
How Does Growing Grounds Align with Marist Educational Values?
Growing Grounds embodies core Marist principles of holistic education, community presence, and serving the marginalized. The program's integration of work, therapy, and social connection mirrors Marist pedagogy's emphasis on forming the whole person-intellectually, spiritually, and socially-while prioritizing those most in need.
What Is the 25th Anniversary Celebration?
Growing Grounds Farm in Santa Maria marked its 25th anniversary with a public celebration from noon to 4 pm on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at its farm stand. The event included tours, live music, food trucks, local vendors, and a resource fair.
Can I Access Services Without an Open County Case?
Yes. People can reach out directly to Growing Grounds even without an open case with the county, whether seeking help for themselves or a loved one. Kaplan emphasized that mental health services should be accessible before crisis occurs.
