Vera’s Journey as a Rain Garden and Compost Hub Ambassador
At Fresh Approach, our programs are built on the belief that food systems and environmental health are deeply connected. Few people embody this philosophy as fully as Vera, one of our most dedicated ambassadors. Vera serves as both a Rain Garden Ambassador and a Compost Hub Ambassador, and her unique journey—from software engineering to soil health—highlights the power of combining personal passion with community action.
A Journey from Code to Compost
For Vera, the transition to environmental work was born out of a desire to make a meaningful impact. Originally trained as a software engineer, she found herself increasingly concerned about climate change after moving to the United States. Seeking ways to contribute to environmental solutions, Vera began volunteering for various initiatives, including beach cleanups and campaigns to reduce plastic pollution. But her true inspiration came from learning about soil biology and permaculture.
“It’s kind of silly,” she laughed, “but I watched a documentary about soil regeneration as a climate solution and thought, ‘Wow, this is it—you can kind of save the world in the garden!’”
Vera’s studies in soil biology eventually led her to Fresh Approach, where she could apply her expertise while connecting with her local community. She first joined as a Compost Hub Ambassador and later expanded her role to include the Rain Garden Ambassadors program.
The Role of a Community Ambassador
The Fresh Approach Compost Hub, located at Collective Roots Community Garden in East Palo Alto, plays a critical role in diverting food waste from landfills while restoring vital soil biology, enabling gardeners to grow nutrient-rich produce without relying on synthetic fertilizers.
How it works: community members drop off food scraps, which are transformed into nutrient-rich compost and made available for pick-up to be used in their home gardens!
For Vera, the most rewarding part of this work is witnessing the full composting cycle—from scraps to soil. “People bring their food scraps every week, and when they finally get their compost, they’re so happy,” she shares. “It’s like, ‘Wow, I did all this work, and now I see it’s really needed.’”
Vera also serves as a Rain Garden Ambassador, helping to install rain gardens and water catchment systems in East Palo Alto. These systems capture and store rainwater, reducing runoff and helping to mitigate the effects of climate change. Through partnerships with organizations like Climate Resilient Communities and Grassroots Ecology, Fresh Approach’s Rain Garden Ambassadors gain hands-on experience in water management and urban permaculture.
“Programs like these are crucial for fostering stronger and more resilient communities,” Vera explains. “They empower people to take small actions that collectively make a big difference.”
Looking Ahead: Building Community Through Soil and Sustainability
Beyond technical skill building, Vera emphasizes the sense of community that comes with her ambassador roles. “I’ve really enjoyed the relationships I’ve built with program members,” she says. “Before this, I lived a pretty isolated life, but now I feel more connected.”
These connections extend beyond the garden. As part of her work, Vera introduces community members to other Fresh Approach programs, such as workshops and seed swaps, further fostering a network of mutual learning and support.
For Vera, the future is bright. She’s excited to continue her work with Fresh Approach, particularly the ongoing soil biology project at the Compost Hub. “We’ve started building the compost pile now, and it will be ready for use in March,” she shares. “It’s completely new work for me, and I’m excited about it.”
Her story is a testament to the transformative power of combining individual passion with collective action. Whether through compost giveaways, rain garden installations, or soil biology projects, Vera’s contributions are helping to build a more resilient future for East Palo Alto and beyond.
Interested in getting involved? Fresh Approach offers numerous opportunities to connect with our mission, from compost drop-offs to garden workdays and workshops. Visit our website to learn more about how you can contribute to a resilient and sustainable food system in your community!
