Green Visions—Growing Flowers, Futures, and Community
What if your first job helped you grow more than just your paycheck?
In Rochester’s JOSANA neighborhood, Green Visions, a workforce development program by Greentopia, is doing just that. For over 10 years, this urban flower farm has been transforming vacant lots into vibrant green spaces—and transforming lives at the same time.
Each year, Green Visions hires local young adults (ages 18–24) to work the land, plant and care for thousands of flowers, and learn real-world skills that prepare them for future employment. Most participants are entering their first job ever, and many have faced barriers like poverty, limited education, or involvement with the justice system.
This isn’t just about gardening—it’s about growing confidence, job readiness, and community pride.
What participants gain:
Hands-on work experience
OSHA certification
Driver’s license support
Resume-building
A safe, supportive place to grow
And their work doesn’t stop in the soil. Green Visions also teaches flower arranging, customer service, and entrepreneurship. You can buy their stunning bouquets every Saturday at the Rochester Public Market—with every purchase going right back into the program.
“We’ve had nearly 200 graduates so far,” says Program Director Morgan Berry. “It started with one lot. Now it’s a whole movement.”
How You Can Help
Buy flowers at the Rochester Public Market
Volunteer your time or career advice
Donate to support job training and community development
Sponsor a youth or become a corporate partner
