Date of Award

2026

Document Type

Project Portfolio

Degree Name

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Department

Seminary

First Advisor

Tracy Cotterell, DMin

Second Advisor

Michael Larson, DMin

Third Advisor

Ken Van Vliet, DMin

Abstract

Set in the rural, agrarian context of Lewis County, Washington, one of the poorest counties in Washington State, this project explores the following NPO: Addressing the concerns of marginalized populations by fostering care of Creation, offers an innovative path to meaningful reciprocal community connections, and a future filled with hope. Drawing on the wisdom and methodologies of Seedpod Farm, my vocational context, a key insight of the Project centered on three interrelated outcomes that my research identified as critical for success: Sovereignty through the development of food skills, belonging through mentoring and cohort relationships, and fostering community connections through service. These provide an innovative, systemic framework for strengthening individuals, families and agencies that serve the marginalized.

In partnership with The Boys and Girls Club of Lewis County (BGC), this project developed a simple yet adaptable framework to teach food sovereignty and belonging skills using a two-pronged approach. Through individual mentorship and facilitated group activities, a cohort of families learned to garden utilizing the Square Foot Gardening method. The Project also established a “Farmer in Residence” program addressing the twin challenges of school gardens: program development and maintenance. Finally, the underused garden space evolved into an Outdoor Classroom through an expansive visioning process with BGC staff.

The project functioned as a proof of concept for a broad-spectrum response to systemic challenges impacting marginalized populations. The three Key Learnings of “Sovereignty through Skills, Belonging through Relationship, and Community through Service” were subsequently tested and adapted in two additional contexts: Shalom Village, a transitional housing community for individuals experiencing homelessness, and Chehalis Manor, a low-income, independent senior apartment complex. Across these settings, the project demonstrated the potential of food-based skill acquisition and relational community- building to foster sovereignty, belonging through relationships and community connections through service amongst marginalized populations.

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