Our Story

Shift Our Ways Collective is a women-led sustainability nonprofit based in Arleta, California. Our mission is to grow sustainable communities, as we empower and support eco-conscious lifestyles where it is needed most. This is achieved through our programs offering free organic produce, equitable access to low-waste options, shared education through workshops, and safe green spaces for communities to come together and connect.

The SOW Collective Backyard Farm is a resource center offering a local food source, composting services, and re-purposed gardening supplies that enable our neighbors to grow their own food at home. By doing so, we created a neighborhood level food system that nourishes and replenishes the people and place. But we didn’t stop there! Realizing the need for comprehensive solutions, we dreamed up a space with educational and community-building intentions. This looks like workshops, youth eco-education, and social events that aim to empower and uplift the communities we passionately serve. Thank you for allowing us to continue this work of growing sustainable communities.

Our Work and Impact

  • 500 LBS of organic produce grown & distributed

  • 2,500 lbs of Food Waste Diverted

  • Composted over 7,000 lbs

  • Expansion to 2 locations

  • Hosted over 10 field trips

  • Monthly events

  • Collaboration to design JFK High School garden

Community Member Connie Borja

“It gave us time to come together as a community and teach our children […] how to actually farm because when you come from the city and you don't have anyone to teach you or, you have to drive out, then we don't have the knowledge. So finding them was a blessing to us because I'm able now to share this experience with my children. In addition to the food that we get from here, we know it's organic. We know that we're contributing to healthy lifestyles.”

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Read our Annual Report