While working as a probation officer in South Carolina, Zakiya Mickle noticed a lack of opportunities for young offenders to complete their court-ordered service.
She began Sowing Seeds into the Midlands in 2013 to give children from Richland and Lexington counties the chance to complete court requirements and receive support from other community members through gardening.
“We see it as a redemption opportunity,” she said. “We’re saying, ‘Hey, we know you messed up, but that’s not really why you’re here. You’re here because we need you to help us out in the garden.’ ”…