Podcast Recap: Implementing Sustainable Solutions for Effective Partnerships and Community Building

Building Partnerships

Partnerships can be underestimated and underrated, but it's an effective way to build success and discover the means to achieve an individual or organization's goals. the power of partnership and community building is not lost on our guest for this episode of the Sustainable Solutions with Planet Aid podcast. Shannon Mouton, executive director of Laurel Advocacy and Referral Services (LARS), engages in an open and honest conversation about the pivotal role LARS plays in assisting low-income and homeless individuals in South Central Maryland.

Host and content specialist, Monica Johnson, and communications manager, Haley Chitty engage in a compelling conversation with Mouton about how she navigates the needs of LARS' clients with sustainable solutions from partnering businesses, organizations, and volunteers. You can read about the conversation highlights, or listen to the full podcast on platforms like Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or here on the Planet Aid website.

Who does LARS serve?

In the first part of the podcast, LARS Executive Director Shannon Mouton talks about who LARS serves. She states, “Our clients are just like us. There’s no difference between them and us except instead of living paycheck to paycheck, right about now they’re just living.” She notes that many LARS clients are often just one setback away from needing assistance. She also explains that most LARS clients are housed and have more than one job; however, multiple jobs don’t always meet their needs. Nonetheless, LARS helps fill those gaps with resources and services, without means-testing.  In other words, clients don't have to make a certain amount, they only have to fill out a form to receive food.

During the podcast, Mouton is very open about her prior financial struggles —it's an empathy that fuels her work and makes her uniquely qualified to do the job. When talking about LARS' food pantry she says, "Food is available. Everyone has problems sometimes and everyone needs to be able to eat. So, we don't means-test for the pantry or food programs." 

The PACE Grant and Sustainability Projects

Sustainable Solutions host, Monica Johnson inquired about LARS’ partnership with Planet Aid through the Planet Aid Capacity and Environmental (PACE) grant. Mouton states, “I have a special affinity for this grant.” She reminisces about it being the first grant she worked on when she started at LARS and remembers being challenged by the requirement of associating the award with a sustainability project.

Having been awarded the PACE grant three times, Mouton discusses how part of LARS' first 25K grant was used to buy an energy-efficient freezer and refrigerator to freeze produce. LARS is committed to reducing its carbon footprints and sourcing local produce. Their commitment supports healthy options for their clients and financially benefits local farms.  One of the local farms LARS utilizes is fellow PACE grant awardee, Community Ecology Institute's Freetown Farm. 

The Innovative Project Grow Initiative

A standout segment of the discussion focuses on the innovative Project Grow initiative. The program empowers clients to cultivate their food—a practice that offers profound mental health benefits and enhances overall well-being. Gardening—as Mouton explains—serves as a therapeutic activity fostering a sense of accomplishment and peace. Project Grow works with clients in low-income households to help them learn how to grow patio and balcony gardens. Additionally, the program strengthens community bonds, as participants work together, share experiences, and build supportive networks.

Future Plans and Expansion

Looking ahead, LARS has ambitious plans to expand its reach and services. Mouton excitedly talks about extending Project Grow, recognizing the unique benefits such a program can offer older adults. In this third round of PACE funding, the organization is working with a local senior community to establish another cohort of growers, while maintaining the first cohort through a second season. 

Mouton shares that there are new developments ahead. She outlines plans to collaborate with partners such as the University of Maryland Agricultural Extension Program. Through this partnership, a master gardener offers monthly workshops for clients involved in Project Grow. Additionally, Mouton explains that a portion of the PACE grant will study and explore the mental health benefits of gardening.

The Crucial Role of Community Support

Throughout the podcast episode, the conversation underscores that community support is paramount to the sustainability of LARS. Engaging local stakeholders, fostering partnerships, and encouraging community involvement are essential strategies to ensure that LARS can continue to provide vital services to those in need and achieve its mission to enable homeless and low-income people to achieve stability and long-term self-sufficiency.

Watch the full episode of Sustainable Solutions with Planet Aid, featuring  Shannon Mouton, and stay tuned for our monthly podcast with other sustainability leaders.