Northern New York Community Foundation’s Youth Philanthropy Council Supports CHJC’s SoZo Teen Center with $3,000 for Seed to Supper Program

Northern New York Community Foundation’s Youth Philanthropy Council Supports CHJC’s SoZo Teen Center with $3,000 for Seed to Supper Program

Watertown, New York (September 12, 2025) – The Children’s Home of Jefferson County (CHJC) is pleased to announce that the Youth Philanthropy Council has awarded a $3,000 grant to support the Seed to Supper – Empowering Teens Through Nutrition program at CHJC’s SoZo Teen Center.

The Seed to Supper program, held at the Teen Center, provides teens with hands-on experiences in gardening, cooking, and nutrition education. Through this initiative, participants learn how to grow their own food, prepare healthy meals, and make informed choices about their health and well-being. The program fosters life skills, responsibility, and self-confidence—skills that benefit participants far beyond the classroom or garden.

“We are grateful for the funding to launch Seed to Supper. Through hands-on experiences, our teens will learn about agriculture, share their stories, and build leadership skills that will benefit them long after the program ends,” shares Jaira Jenkins, CHJC’s After School Programs Administrator.

The Youth Philanthropy Council, a component of the Northern New York Community Foundation, empowers young people to learn about philanthropy, volunteerism, and community needs while making real contributions to local organizations.

With the Council’s support, CHJC can expand the Seed to Supper program at the SoZo Teen Center, enriching the lives of teens and helping them cultivate healthy habits for life.