**Compassion Garden Kick-Off Recap: A Community Coming Together**
The Compassion Garden Kick-Off event was a day filled with warmth and purpose, despite the cold weather! Although we shortened the event by two hours, the turnout and enthusiasm from our community left us inspired and excited for the journey ahead.
Around 32 attendees braved the chilly temperatures to join us, including representatives from U.P.S, K.V.I (Killeen Volunteers), Youth Volunteers Corp, and the Boys and Girls Club, who brought out a few teens eager to help. We were also honored by the presence of members of the Buffalo Soldiers, Gardener West (a Certified Master Gardener), and The Mission Continues. A special shoutout goes to OMM BBQ (On My Momma), who generously donated a flyer to support the event.
**Hard Work and Warm Meals**
To help keep everyone warm, we shared bowls of hearty chili, coffee, and hot cocoa, which provided the perfect fuel for the day’s activities. While the cold weather delayed planting, it didn’t stop the progress. Instead, the teens rolled up their sleeves and got hands-on experience building garden beds. Their enthusiasm and teamwork laid the foundation for the Compassion Garden’s future success.
**Words of Inspiration**
The event also featured inspiring speeches from a City Council Member and a K.V.I leader, who emphasized the importance of teaching youth how to work the soil. They highlighted how gardening not only fosters essential life skills but also instills a sense of responsibility and a deeper connection to nature. Kristen Wright from Killeen Creators, our partner in this initiative, hosted the event and delivered a powerful message about the value of collaboration and community-driven solutions to address food insecurity.
**A Special Celebration**
Adding to the day’s significance, the Kick-Off also marked a special occasion—it was the birthday of the ImPossible Teen Club’s Founder! It was a joy to celebrate this milestone while planting the seeds of a program that will benefit so many.
**The Journey is Just Beginning**
The Compassion Garden is more than a garden—it’s a space for teens to grow, learn, and contribute to their community. This event was just the start of an ongoing program that will teach practical skills, provide fresh produce to those in need, and foster stronger community connections.
**Join Us!**
Are you interested in being a mentor or registering your teen to be part of the Compassion Garden program? We’d love to have you join us! Visit [ipsctx.org](https://ipsctx.org) to learn more and get involved.
Together, we’re cultivating hope, growth, and a brighter future—one garden bed at a time. 🌱
