Volunteer Community Gardening

Hi, I'm Jean, the Founder of Cuddle Sanctuary. Come join me for a morning of community gardening! Just like cuddling, research says that getting our hands in the dirt is good for our mental health. Let's pull weeds, water vegetables and other garden-y things.

Every Tuesday and Saturday from 10:30am-12:30pm, anyone can drop in and volunteer. That means you!

No experience or green thumb required - just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to help out. I've volunteered here once before, and it was fun.

Let's meet new people, enjoy the outdoors, and give back to the community.

2033 Virginia Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90404

Park on the street or nearby at Virginia Park.

Walk along the left driveway towards the back of the building where the farm is.

What do I bring?

Water bottle

Long pants

Sun protection

Close toe shoes

Garden gloves (if you have them)

A smile

Absolutely. All ages of volunteers are welcome.

The mission of Growing Hope Gardens is to create and sustain food gardens with residents of affordable housing and homeless shelters. They strives to empower people of modest means and those experiencing homelessness, by supporting resident urban food gardens on affordable housing, homeless shelter properties & raw land.

Starting in 2019, and in now in partnership with Community Corporation of Santa Monica, Holos Communities, and The People Concern, Growing Hope Gardens successfully sustains 15 onsite resident food gardens and a farm. If you'd like, you can donate here.

Hi, I’m Jean Franzblau (she/her). I've lived in Los Angeles since 1988 and call Santa Monica home. The Los Angeles fires inspired me to try to connect more with the earth. I want to appreciate the land that I'm on and help my community thrive.

In terms of work, I’m the Founder of Cuddle Sanctuary and a writer/performer. I’m also an Intimacy Coordinator for TV and film and a professional speaker. You can find me at JeanFranzblau.com

Host or Publisher Jean Franzblau