Grow Ogden Farm
Grow Ogden is our first pilot farm to transitionally employ those facing homelessness. Since July of 2023, we’ve cleared the land; formed crop rows, constructed a compost system, and established raised beds. We are strategic partners with Weber State University and Catholic Community Services to build food distribution systems. So far, 90 volunteers gave 437 hours to help us accomplish these goals!
Our team works collaboratively to offer therapeutic programs for life skills, and coordinate long term housing and full time employment by the program's end.
Read more about them below!
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Meet The Team
Farm Operations Manager
Parker Goss
I am Parker Goss, a farmer and Ogden native. I am interested in permaculture, mutual aid, and all things sustainable agriculture (and learning more every day). I love watching our community come together to help our neighbors in need. I also love tomatoes and have gotten pretty good at growing them.
Trainee Advocate
Chance Prophet
Chance serves as our Trainee Advocate with a background in social work. She has experience in working closely with low-income individuals and families, providing them with vital support and counseling to navigate through difficult life transitions such as homelessness, substance use, domestic violence, and employment challenges. In addition, her experience within the court system has equipped her with the knowledge and skills to provide comprehensive services to individuals involved in legal matters to include evictions and being justice-involved.
Chance is a Utah transplant from Georgia with a passion for service to others. She believes that both plants and people grow and change, each responding to nurture and the right environment. Much like plants in nature, people will find that as they tend to their inner garden, they will also tend to their body, mind, and spirit.
Job Training Supervisor / Program Manager
Rick Brower, Jr
Rick Brower Jr. is an esteemed educator with over 18 years of experience in public schools. Currently pursuing a Doctorate in Positive Organizational Leadership through Abilene Christian University, Rick exemplifies a lifelong commitment to learning and growth. His dedication to education has been recognized through four nominations for the prestigious "Best of Davis" award. With a teaching philosophy grounded in Love and Logic methodologies, Rick fosters an environment of empathy, empowerment, and a growth mindset in his classroom. He believes in the power of progress over perfection, a mantra guiding his interactions with students and colleagues. Outside of his professional endeavors, Rick is happily married and the proud father of six children. Born and raised in Washington State, he is a proud graduate of the University of Washington and a lifelong supporter of the Huskies and Seattle Seahawks. His deep-rooted belief in every individual's inherent goodness and value shapes his approach to education and community engagement, reflecting his unwavering commitment to celebrating diversity and fostering inclusive environments.
Farm Project Lead
Karl Ebeling
Known as the "Mister Rogers" of farming, Farmer Karl embodies compassionate leadership, dedicated to enriching lives through connections with plants, soil, and community members on the farm. With 33 years of international business experience as a consultant, educator, and mentor, Farmer Karl specializes in fostering collaboration, education, and support among community leaders striving to create empowering farm environments. Since establishing Eden Streets in 2020, Farmer Karl has documented initiatives like the Green Phoenix Farm in downtown Salt Lake City, empowering women experiencing homelessness by providing stable jobs and housing opportunities. He remains committed to cultivating knowledge, assembling teams, and expanding networks to launch farms with impactful social missions worldwide.
Farm Facilities & Land Access Coordinator
Christine Humphrey
Christine Humphrey is only 2 generations of the farm with ancestors who settled in Utah and Idaho and worked the soil growing their own food and providing for their families. She, however, was born and raised in Southern California and raised her family in Northern California. She and her husband, Rev. Neal Humphrey, a Presbyterian minister, moved to Utah in 1999 when her husband took a call to serve a Presbyterian church in Fruit Heights, Utah. She is a CPA and spent her career in Healthcare Finance, retiring in October 2012. After retiring she served the Presbytery of Utah as Treasurer in a sunset career until 2019 when she retired for good. She enjoys spending time with her family, summering at her cabin in Idaho, and volunteering for various non-profits in Utah. She is an active member at the First Presbyterian Church of Ogden where she serves on the Outreach Team as the Church's liaison for Grow Ogden. Her favorite fun activity is playing flute with her harpist friend Sandra and participating in a local community flute choir.
Farm Video Media Advisor
Chris May
Chris May is a farmer’s son from Mississippi. As a child he saw firsthand the impact
farming has on a community while working on his family’s farm. Chris went on to study
filmmaking at the University of Memphis, where he started working in news at a local TV station.
He now works as a photojournalist in Salt Lake City and brings both his skill as a visual
storyteller, and farmer’s upbringing to help spread the message and goals of Grow Ogden as its
Farm Video Advisor.
Plant Pollinator Specialist
Dominique Dietz
Dominique Dietz is a retired, seasoned educator holding a Bachelors of Science/Special Education degree, as well as a Master's of Science/ Psychology. She has a growing passion for organic flower farming and volunteers with Grow Ogden to offer service and connect with an earth-conscious community.
Farm Food & Cooking Specialist
Katie Goetz
Katie, originally from Texas, is thrilled to now call Utah home. She started volunteering with Grow Ogden as a way to connect with the community and take part in an activity that brings her great joy. When Katie is not helping with Grow Ogden, she is knitting, reading, or enjoying the great outdoors.
Farm Engineer
Mason Allan
My Name is Mason. I've always been fascinated by technology. I'm thankfuI get to share my talents by helping others through Grow Ogden!
Farm Development Director
Rita Ebeling
Rita Ebeling - educator, permaculturalist, and farmer. Rita earned her bachelors of science degree in biology at Wichita State University and her Masters of Education in curriculum and instruction in science at Brigham Young University. She has taught and tutored at the secondary level in a number of settings including at a school utilizing restorative practices. In 2020, she and Karl attended a Permaculture Design Course which helped her see a beautiful way to use her science education background to improve both people and the planet. Growing up as an Air Force dependent, she learned to find the good in every place, every person, and every situation. Her most rewarding job has been being a mom of five incredible children and especially enjoys her grandchildren. Since 2022, Rita and Farmer Karl have managed a small for-profit farm (Faircrest Farms) in Ogden, UT
Farm Steward
Kayleigh Davis
I was excited to hear that Ogden was going to have a community farm "Grow Ogden" that was going to have a purpose more than providing people with food. I have been interested in plants my whole life, from foraging to gardening and just being out and experiencing nature. I am an avid outdoor adventurer, wanting to help others experience what nature can provide with hope and happiness. I am excited to feel like Ogden is building a community or hope, acceptance, and generosity.”
Farm Community Engagement Director
Sara Sherman
Heyo. Sara Sherman here. California born but Utah breed. I work in organic certification as a food auditor and certification specialist. I have a passion for regenerative farming and helping people. Grow Ogden seems to be the best option for mixing the two. I love being out in God’s creation and traveling to find all the treasure.