Together, we work towards a future wherecompassion, solidarity, and wellnessintersect to build a more equitable and inclusive society.
Together, we work towards a future where compassion, solidarity, and wellness intersect to build a more equitable and inclusive society.
Our Mission
Grounded in principles of fairness and inclusivity, we strive to address systemic challenges and uplift marginalized voices in Gary, Indiana, and beyond.
Based In Northwest Indiana, Freida is the Faith Farms and Orchard Administrator/ Farm Manager. Graves has a background in nursing that allows her to provide education on food as medicine. Graves is a Master Gardener Receiving her certification from Purdue Extension in Indiana. Graves is a 2019 Center for Community Progress Revitalization Fellow , a 2021 Hoosier Young Farmers Fellow. Faith Farms is in the Emerson neighborhood of Gary; once considered the heart of the city over the years of shrinking employment tax base the Emerson community became a slew of abandoned properties, Faith Farms is built on the ground of abandoned houses and is now a garden and farm that houses chickens, ducks and goats along with vegetation.
Chef Lucero Martinez-Donato was born in Gary and raised in Chicago. She is the child of self-employed immigrants that owned restaurants and grocery stores, and was the first generation to go to college, De Paul University majored in Chemistry. She opened her first restaurant in 2008 which grew into full service catering company. In 2013, Lucero wanted to learn more and attended Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School. Fast forward to 2022, Chef Lucero has moved back to Gary, previously worked at Purdue Hammond as the executive chef, currently owns a small catering company, A Plate at The Park, and works on a few community projects.
