We are deeply grateful to WHYY and reporter Zoë Read for their recent article, “‘Secret garden’ planted at Wilmington day care in time for spring blooms,” which highlights a transformative project in Wilmington’s West Center City. This initiative, led by the Delaware Nature Society, has brought an outdoor classroom and a pollinator and vegetable garden to the Learning Center at Madison Street, enriching the educational experiences of our local kids.

This project was inspired by the vision of our beloved Ms. Caren Turner, a lifelong resident of West Center City and a dedicated member of Interfaith Community Housing of Delaware (ICHDE). Ms. Caren devoted over six decades to advocating for justice, equity, and community empowerment. As our Community Building and Organizing Coordinator for 35 years, she transformed countless lives by creating spaces of safety, dignity, and opportunity for seniors, youth, and families. Her unwavering commitment to equity and her passion for community engagement have left an indelible mark on all who knew her. 

Before this project, the playground at the Learning Center was unsafe and underutilized, with issues such as a damaged fence that allowed trespassers to enter and use the area improperly. Ms. Caren envisioned a space where children could safely play and learn, fostering their imagination and connection to nature. Her son, former Wilmington City Councilman Vash Turner, expressed that his mother would be ecstatic to see the recently finished gardens, planted just in time for the spring blooms.

At ICHDE, we are committed to revitalizing and strengthening neighborhoods by providing sustainable housing and homeownership services that support low- and moderate-income households. Our mission includes empowering residents for leadership and promoting individual and community asset building. Ms. Caren’s work exemplified this mission, and her legacy continues to inspire our efforts in community building and engagement. 

The whole Interfaith team is sincerely grateful to WHYY and Zoë for shining their light on the project, and for honoring Ms. Caren’s legacy. Media coverage like this is invaluable for grassroots nonprofits like ours, as it brings awareness to the vital work being done in our communities and encourages further support and collaboration.

For those interested in contributing to or learning more about our community-building efforts, please visit our homepage at https://ichde.org. Your support helps us honor Ms. Caren’s legacy and furthers our mission to create vibrant, empowered communities.