Willington Rolle, age 46, is a resident of Overtown and a father of four.  In 2006 he was out of work and struggling to support himself and his family.  A quick learner and a hard worker, Willington heard that the CRA-sponsored Roots In The City Landscape and Horticultural Training Institute was offering a paid training program in the Overtown Community Garden, within walking distance from his home.  His mild manner and determination to find work convinced Dr. Dunn to give Willington a chance. 

The match worked out well.  Willington states he has learned a trade and just loves working in gardens.  He plans to continue to work in this field, and hopefully for Dr. Dunn again in the near future.  Dr. Dunn states that when Roots In The City is able to hire another full-time employee, Willington will be his man. 

Willington worked hard and graduated from the Institute's training program.  He says that this opportunity made it possible for him to be independent and to provide properly for his children.  He is currently working for Black Reflections, Inc. as an assistant landscaper.

               
         Roots In The City trainees clean a flower bed
                   on Third Avenue in Overtown.

 

Laying sod is part of the Institute's training program.