// BLOG
The Evolution of the Lighthouse Mission Farmers Market!
August 8, 2009
When we first started the garden project back in April, I had no clue what direction we were heading nor did I know how we would get there. This was my first experience with gardening, so everything with the project was new to me and most of the men as well.
As our crops began to grow, so did our knowledge and understanding of how the whole process worked. Southern University played a huge role in development and know-how of our garden. My initial thought was that we would grow some vegetables and go a few days a week to a local farmers market in town. What happened next was really surprising and unexpected.
The Daily World did an article on what was going on at the mission, and specifically called our project a local farmers market. I had never really thought of the mission as it’s own independent farmers market, but thought of it more as a local grower that would bring our crops to local markets.
At this point we began to be flooded by members of the community who were seeking fresh, homegrown vegetables. We began to display our crops on our large table in the common room of the Lighthouse Mission.We had evolved into our own farmers market without even trying to do so.
This evolution into a viable market was exactly what the Southern University Ag Center had envisioned. It was truly a successful spring season that will continue year after year.
We are extremely encouraged about the continuation and growth of our market for many years to come. The project has blessed me and the men tremendously. We vow to research more efficient ways to produce greater results for the garden and also strategies that can provide ways to enrich the lives of our men.
Thanks to everyone who supported us and encouraged us during this project.
Fall garden and market coming soon!
Blessings,
Johnny Carriere
Managing Director
Thanks to ALON U.S.A. Refinery in Krotz Springs.
June 18, 2009
Words can’t describe the timing of such a wonderful gift that has been presented to us at the Opelousas Lighthouse Mission. Today, the ALON Refinery in Krotz Springs, LA donated a nice Ford truck to us.
The timing couldn’t have been any better because our previous car died out about two weeks ago. I want to thank Jimmy Moreau, Shawn Elder, and Keith Ardoin for making this happen.
Thanks again ALON for your support of our mission and the local community! We are truly blessed and certainly appreciate this act of service to the Opelousas Lighthouse Mission.
Sincerely,
Johnny Carriere
Managing Director
Thanks to the New Life Center!
June 18, 2009
I want to thank the New Life Center for being such a helping hand to all of us at the Lighthouse Mission. Michelle, Brandi, and Marcus have been a true blessing to us over the last 3 months. They have provided us with food, supplies, and many other things that can be used in day to day operations.
It is a pleasure to work with such amazing people in this community who share the same hopes, goals, and desires in order to make Opelousas a better place.
Thank you all for everything that you do to assist the Opelousas Lighthouse Mission!
Sincerely,
Johnny Carriere
Managing Director
Thanks to the Daily World!
June 15, 2009
I want to extend a thank you out to the Daily World for putting together two great stories on the Opelousas Lighthouse Mission.
We at the mission really appreciate a helping hand in creating a positive image of the direction that the Lighthouse Mission is headed.
This write up is on the Front page of the paper.
http://www.dailyworld.com/article/20090614/NEWS01/906140304&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL
This write up is on the Opinion page of the paper.
http://www.dailyworld.com/article/20090614/OPINION/906140306/Help-give-homeless-a-hand-up
Sincerely,
Johnny Carriere
Managing Director
Opelousas Lighthouse Mission
Fresh Vegetables for Sale At the Mission!
June 15, 2009
Hello Everyone!
We are now picking fresh vegetables daily out of our garden at the mission.
We have a variety of vegetables including cucumbers, tomatoes, hot peppers, banana peppers, bell peppers, squash, eggplant, watermelons, cantaloupe, honeydew melons, sweet corn, and green onion tops.
We also have herbs such as hibiscus, purple basil, green basil, lemon, and mint.
Please call me at 337-692-7988 or call the office at 337-948-8865 for price and availability! Thanks