Blooming Connections: Solu Volunteers Partner with Southside Blooms

Last week, Solu volunteers came together for a meaningful day of chesed with Southside Blooms, a remarkable Chicago-based social enterprise that uses sustainable urban agriculture to create jobs for at-risk youth, provide ecological benefits to communities, and bring beauty to underserved neighborhoods. Through flower farming, Southside Blooms transforms vacant lots into thriving green spaces while creating pathways to employment and environmental stewardship.

Battling the intense heat, Solu volunteers rolled up their sleeves and worked side-by-side with our neighbors to help further Solu’s mission to build bridges between the Modern Orthodox Jewish community and diverse communities across Chicago through this incredible act of chesed.

Our group arrived ready to work; gloves on, trowels in hand. Volunteers weeded the vibrant garden beds, preparing them for a new season of growth. Alongside the physical work, participants learned about Southside Blooms’ inspiring mission and the impact they’ve had in providing both environmental benefits and economic opportunities in the South Side.

Both the adults and children walked away with a deeper appreciation for the way something as simple as a flower farm can change lives, beautify neighborhoods, and strengthen communities.

Thank you to Southside Blooms for welcoming us into your space and showing us the power of beauty, sustainability, and opportunity. And thank you to our incredible volunteers for showing up, getting their hands dirty, and living out Solu’s mission of chesed and connection.