In this episode of Farm Talk, we're joined by Jenn Rodriguez, the program manager of Growing Works. Jenn kicks off the show by introducing us to Growing Works and its profound connection to the mental health community. She delves into the diverse team behind Growing Works and illuminates the process of getting started with the program. As our conversation progresses, Jenn sheds light on the immense benefits individuals with mental health challenges experience through their work at Growing Works. She shares touching stories about the individuals who thrive in this nurturing environment and how the program is tailored to their needs. We also learn about the program's operational details, including its schedule, funding, and partnerships with organizations like Ventura County Behavioral Health and Turning Point. Throughout the episode, Jenn highlights Growing Works' impactful festivals, workshops, and its role as a beacon of hope and empowerment in the community. Watch the full episode HERE What you’ll learn in this episode:0:00 Welcome to the show and introduction of our guest, Jenn Rodriguez, program manager of Growing Works 0:35 Jenn Rodriguez tell us what Growing Works is and what the connection is to the mental health community 1:10 Who works at Growing Works and what getting started looks like 2:36 How those with mental health challenges are benefited by working at Growing Works 3:21 Jenn tells us more about the individuals who work at Growing Works 8:25 The days and hours of the program at Growing Works is based on the contract and funding provided by Ventura County Behavioral Health. 9:03 What is Competitive Employment? 10:21 Growing Works has 2 festivals a year: Their Spring Fling and A Fall Festival 11:11 Jenn digs deeper into describing how individuals get involved at Growing Works 13:07 How Growing Works manages their employees who struggle with mental health illness 15:51 The connection between Growing Works and Turning Point 16:30 Find out if the Growing Works employees live in a Turning Point facility or if they live on their own 18:08 Other activities Growing Works has throughout the year and when Growing Works is open to the public 19:06 Who leads the workshops? 19:35 The future of Growing Works 20:58 The awesome watering system Growing Works has on their site 21:48 Where Growing Works sells and some of the clients that they work with 23:12 Jenn tells us where Growing Works receives their funding 23:52 How can people get more involved and contact information and social media for Turning Point and Growing Works 24:44 The age of Growing Works 25:26 Where the idea of mental health patients working with plants originated and what Growing works grows 26:46 Growing Works as a resource for knowledge on water conservation and much more 27:22 An amazing success story shared by Jenn 30:13 A special thank you to our sponsor, Opus Escrow   Related Episodes:Unveiling Humanity Through Compassion, Hope & a Costume A Recovery Oasis at Nate’s Place Growing Works Nursery:turningpointfoundation.org1736 S Lewis Rd, Camarillo, Ca 93012(805) 586-9900   Contact Paul Ward:805-479-5004paul@homeandranchteam.com   Have ideas for future episodes? We'd love to answer your questions - leave a comment! For any home buying or home selling needs in the Ventura County area of California, please reach out to Paul@HomeAndRanchTeam.com or visit www.HomeAndRanchTeam.com A special THANK YOU to our sponsor, OPUS ESCROW! Farm Talk with Paul Ward would not be possible without the support of our sponsor Opus Escrow. Supporting our sponsor ensures Farm Talk can provide listeners with the best possible episodes.