Growing Healthy Veterans (GHV) was co-founded in 2016 by Marshall Fox, an Air Force veteran, and Lukan Paulus, who was certified in Sustainable Agriculture from the College of Lake County and Horticultural Therapy from the Chicago Botanic Gardens. Marshall and Lukan first met as a result of their shared interest in helping veterans suffering from the trauma of war, knowing that mental health and addiction take more lives than the battlefield.

In spring 2016 Marshall was working at the Federal Health Care Center (FHCC). A recreation therapist there shared his interest in adding Horticultural Therapy to her program for veterans with PTSD. Once Marshall contacted Lukan, they quickly acquired 3 garden plots, plus necessary equipment from the Liberty Prairie Foundation. Lukan donated his time as the Operations Manager, and soon veterans were coming to work in the Prairie Crossing Community Garden weekly.

The first season, over 100 pounds of vegetables were harvested by veterans and donated to local food pantries. The program was a success, so GVH was registered as a nonprofit in December 2016. Lukan continued growing microgreens and seedlings with the veterans during winter, through spring 2017.

Liberty Prairie Foundation doubled the number of plots for GHV, plus a large parcel was donated at Joy Lutheran Church in Gurnee. GHV expanded the program to include veterans in the PTSD and Homeless FHCC Programs. Over 20 Veterans participated, and over 500 pounds of produce were distributed. Thanks to several generous donations, Lukan was hired as Operations Manager and began looking for land closer to the Federal Health Care Center.

In spring of 2018 North Chicago Mayor Rockingham offered GHV the use of a 14-acre city-owned property. This donation was unanimously approved by the City Council on June 5, 2018. The initial North Chicago Community Garden was created utilizing a 10,000sq ft plot for veterans, active-duty military and local residents.

The Gurnee American Legion Post 771 offered GHV the use of 2.5 acres near their Legion Hall, since a garden would appeal to young veterans considering membership. Due to soil compaction, GHV determined it was an ideal location for cultivating in hoop houses.

Will Allen, an internationally recognized urban farmer from Milwaukee, donated a hoop house frame and offered to lead the construction effort in person! During October 2018, he joined Congressman Brad Schneider and over 60 volunteers in Gurnee to build a 20’x48’ hoop house. Without a consistent source of water for the Hoop House Project at the Gurnee American Legion, GHV decided to utilize the hoop houses at the North Chicago Community Garden expansion.

By fall 2018, 33 Veterans had participated in the program. Over 1,000 pounds of produce were distributed to their families, residents, and local food pantries. At a Harvest Festival, the Mayor and Alderman of North Chicago were joined by veterans, active-duty military, and residents to celebrate the progress of GHV.

In the Spring of 2019 GHV expanded the North Chicago Community Garden to 30,000sqft. They added a larger 20’x 200’ hoop house and received 501(c)(3) status in April. The COVID-19 pandemic restricted GHV activities, but Lukan found other ways to provide healthy food for veterans, active-duty and the community.

Unfortunately, in September 2021, the sudden, unexpected death of co-founder and Operations Manager Lukan Paulus sent shock waves through the community. His accomplishments inspired a commitment from all involved to move things forward in his honor. People quickly stepped up to continue the Community Service program with Veterans Court, and Calvin Piktel was hired as new Operations Manager the following spring.

Renewed support from leaders like Senator Adriane Johnson, Alderman Bobby Allen and Mayor Rockingham have facilitated an upcoming expansion, which will more than triple garden space. GHV is thrilled to see increased involvement from local residents seeking opportunities to cultivate and access healthy food. This provides an essential benefit for veteran healing, a chance for continued service to their country. With growing interest, GHV will offer community events, educational resources, produce distribution and handicap accessible beds.

BOARD:

Ellen Ewing, President

Kathryn Gilbertson, Vice President

Charlotte Hendrickson, Secretary

Stephen Joseph, Treasurer

Dan Bader, Director

Juan Garcia, Veteran, Director

Dr. Donna King, Veteran, Director Emeritus

Jessica Klinge, Veteran, Director

Bonnie Mayfield, Director

Joe Schmitt, Director

Marshall Fox, Veteran, Advisor

Calvin Pitkel, Operations Manager