2004 Spring Flower Sale

Residents of Southern Residential Community Home
Have Flowers and Vegetables for Sale

EGG HARBOR - Residents of the New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission's (JJC) Southern Residential Community Home (RCH) are now selling flowers and vegetables to residents of the Egg Harbor area.

The greenhouse is filled with plants of all colors ready for the spring sale. Seeds that were planted in early January are now exhibiting a panorama of breath-taking hues in planters and hanging baskets. Southern RCH has expanded its line of perennials and continues to offer a wide assortment of annuals. Flowers will be on sale Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the greenhouse at Southern RCH located at 800 A Buffalo Avenue, Egg Harbor City. Items include: marigolds, celosia, petunias, coleus, millet, tomatoes, peppers, and many more.

"This initiative allows our students to provide a service to their community while at the same time developing entrepreneurial skills. These tools will increase the likelihood that these young people will lead productive lives when they return home instead of returning to the correctional system," said Howard L. Beyer, Executive Director of the Juvenile Justice Commission. "The business skills that these young people learn can be applied to any retail job, and the experience they gain makes them more attractive to future employers."

Horticulture is a year-round vocational activity that is provided under the supervision of a certified teacher. Students grow the items, often from seed, and nurture the plants until they are ready for sale. Students are responsible for all aspects of the stand operation including working with supervisors to order and price the produce, operate a cash box and maintain financial records, and market the stand. Students are expected to apply math skills, reading, nutrition concepts and business skills. They will learn how these skills relate to operating a successful small business while learning to appreciate the values of hard work, responsibility and education. Funds raised through this effort will be used for educational and recreational activities for the residents.

Southern RCH is one of 22 community programs operated by the JJC for delinquent juveniles who have been placed in the custody of the JJC by the New Jersey Family Court system. The facility serves a maximum of 34 male juveniles who are between the ages of 15 and 19 at the time of admission. Residents have been part of a program that allows them to sell flowers and plants to state employees. Now, the program is being expanded to include residents of the community.

The young people participating in this program are lower level offenders or are preparing to return to their communities at the completion of their sentences. Juveniles are supervised by trained staff at all times.

This is the second season for selling to both the public and employees of the JJC. Last seasons sales were a huge success. Southern RCH looks forward to repeat customers and becoming acquainted with new ones in this 2004 growing season. Come browse, ask questions and support the efforts of the students.

Please contact:
Rob Hess, Horticulture Teacher
800 Buffalo Ave
Egg Harbor, NJ 08215
609-965-5200

For more information on the JJC, please visit www.njjjc.com