The Tiny Children's Garden
Ms. Derissa Davis, Educator at James Avant Elementary, Inspirer, Leader, Visionary, Creator of Gardens:
"Derissa Davis is an education professional with strong ties to her community. She is currently a third grade teacher at James Avant Elementary School, in Washington Park. She received her undergraduate degree from Lindenwood University, and her Master's degree in education from Fontbonne University. As a native East St Louis resident, Derissa has a unique perspective on communicating the true needs and concerns of the community that only a person who was born and raised in this area can. Ms. Davis has worked very hard over the past three years to come up with a plan for developing her community and the smaller surrounding communities. Derissa has played a large role in restoring property in her community, and now is developing a community garden in Washington Park, IL. Her can do attitude and passion for change has lead her to start several different community initiatives on her own that really connect with real people. That alone, combined with her experience in education makes her a well rounded asset in her community."--The Tiny Children's Garden FaceBook Profile
This project is supported in part through the “Fueling Growth: An Integrated, Capacity-Building Grant for Experiential Learning, Extension and Economic (E3) Development in Rural America,” a USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Non-Land Grant College of Agriculture Capacity-Building grants program.
About the Garden, website developed by SIUE Sociology & Environmental Science Graduate Students
Avant Elementary School, located near the garden.
The Tiny Children's Garden FaceBook Page
In the News:
- SIUE and Washington Park Residents Work To Build a Community Garden
- Community Garden Project Brings People Together
Washington Park, Illinois
