Joining Forces for Families
The community social worker assists families in need of services such as W-2, housing assistance, financial support for rent, utilities, and phone. JFF also provides a free local telephone and bus tickets as well as other resources that help meet basic needs. JFF can be reached at 241-4849.

Tenant Resource Center Housing Counselor
The Tenant Resource Center’s Housing Resource Specialist has office hours in the Vera Court Neighborhood Center. We provide information about housing vacancies, affordable housing, and tenant / landlord law, and can, in some cases, help to locate funds for eviction prevention, security deposits, or other housing-related necessities. Please stop by the Joining Forces for Families office to inquire about current office hours, or call the Housing Help Desk at 242-7406 for additional information.

Nehemiah Community Support Specialist
The Community Support Specialist provides prevention and intervention services to individuals and families in the Vera Court neighborhood. They engage in collaborative activities with community members, school personnel, public health nurses, local law enforcement, and others in order to provide the best and most comprehensive services to the community members. The Community Support Specialist can be reached at 241-4849

Neighborhood Officer
Officer Frank Chandler works closely with community members in Vera Court. Through partnerships, empowerment, and problem solving the police and citizens have worked to maintain a high quality of life for all Vera Court residents. Officer Frank Chandler can be reached at 246-5815.

Friends of Troy Gardens
The Friends of Troy Gardens (FTG) develops and stewards 26 acres of open space on Troy Drive. The 26 acres will include community gardens, youth educational gardens, handicapped accessible gardens, an organic farm, woodland and prairie restoration, edible landscapes, nature trails, and play areas.

These open space activities will be closely linked to an additional five acres that are being developed for affordable housing following a co-housing model. FTG sponsors community education programs about gardening and farming, celebrations on the land, and volunteer workdays to maintain the site. FTG is a membership-based organization. For more information, call Sharon Lezberg at 438-3334.

Youth Gardening Programs
During the summer months, FTG sponsors a youth garden at the community gardens. Youth learn how to grow food and are delighted in bringing home produce from their garden. Youth also get an opportunity to enjoy the natural areas at the garden.

Teaching Land Youth Farm
High School interns learn horticulture skills by maintaining their own garden and assisting the farmer at the Troy Community Farm. Youth learn marketing skills by selling their produce at the Eastside Farmers Market. Youth receive a stipend for their participation.

Troy Community Farm
The Troy Community Farm grows organic produce for North side residents. Community members can join the farm and receive a weekly “share” of seasonal produce. Farm members are invited to help with the growing and harvesting of food. Neighborhood residents will be able to purchase fresh, organic food.