New-Service Training Employment Program, Inc.

In partnership with United Way of Central Maryland and Crown of Life Church, the New-Service Training Employment Program (N-STEP) organized a community garden event on September 15th, 2025 at the Crown of Life Church, Edgewood, Maryland. The day started early with over 30 volunteers and participants weeding, raking, planting new crops, repairing the mesh fence and installing new fence posts, and more. Volunteers from corporations like CareFirst, Maryland American Water, and Harford County Public Schools Community School Specialists got their hands dirty. Under the guidance of the Crown of Life Church’s master Gardner, Mr. Isaac Mulbah, crops were harvested like Jute leaf (Mulukhiyah). This is a popular crop, native to Africa, like okra, that flourishes in the Maryland soil.

N-STEP has five students participating in our Youth Garden Program, a way for youth to learn about nutritional education and food resiliency after-school program. Students from the Edgewood, Joppatowne, and Abingdon are welcome to participate and will receive stipends for their participation. Follow us at nstepforward.com/events for other community programs in your area. Thanks to the hard work of the volunteers and the members of the Crown of Life Church, the produce from the community garden will go to support their food distribution program. Check out Crown of Life Church upcoming events at https://www.crownol.org/about-us.