Ken and shane 4

Growing More Than a Garden:
Celebrating Ken’s Lasting Impact at CLA

Some people plant seeds.

Others help communities grow.

As Ken Dwenger retires from CLA’s Board of Directors, we want to celebrate the extraordinary impact he has made—not only through his leadership, but through the relationships, opportunities, and confidence he has helped cultivate along the way.

For nearly a decade, Ken has been the driving force behind the CLASS Garden and Greenhouse, transforming an idea into a thriving space for learning, connection, and growth.

A Master Gardener and Master Composter, Ken saw an opportunity to use gardening as more than an activity. He envisioned a place where adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities could learn new skills, connect with nature, build confidence, and experience the pride of growing something with their own hands.

He didn’t just imagine it — he helped make it happen.
 
Ken helped design and build the garden program from the ground up. He wrote and shaped grants that secured early funding for the garden and later helped bring the greenhouse to life. He built partnerships, sourced materials, navigated city permitting requirements, and worked alongside participants, staff, and volunteers to create something lasting.

Today, the CLASS Garden is much more than a garden.

It’s a place where participants plant seeds, harvest food they helped grow, learn about sustainability, develop healthy living skills, and experience the joy of hands-on success.

“At first, some participants weren’t quite sure about gardening,” reflected Barb Kenyon-Mohrlang, CLA’s Executive Director. “But over time, as they learned new skills and watched seeds sprout and vegetables grow, something shifted. The excitement became real. Seeing their own progress created confidence, pride, and a deeper sense of ownership.”

Other CLA staff had the opportunity to visit the garden recently, and it was incredible to see that transformation firsthand. Participants were engaged, excited, and deeply involved — asking questions, sharing what they knew, and taking pride in the work they were doing. The energy was contagious.

Other CLA staff recently had the opportunity to visit the garden and witness that transformation firsthand.

Participants were engaged, enthusiastic, and deeply involved — asking questions, sharing their knowledge, and taking pride in their work. The excitement and sense of ownership were unmistakable.
Ken’s impact has extended far beyond the physical space itself.

His enthusiasm, patience, and knowledge have inspired participants, volunteers, staff, and community members alike. Through gardening, composting, and farm-to-table learning opportunities, participants are building confidence, independence, skills, and connection.

And importantly, Ken’s story with the garden is not ending.

While Ken is retiring from CLA’s Board of Directors, he will continue volunteering with the garden — a reflection of the passion, commitment, and joy he brings to this work.

What makes this story especially meaningful is that none of this was required.

As a board member, Ken’s hands-on involvement in program activities was entirely voluntary. His dedication reflects something deeper: a belief in community, belonging, and creating opportunities for people to thrive.

Thank you, Ken, for helping grow more than a garden.

Thank you for helping grow confidence, connection, and community.

Your impact continues to bloom.