::New Leaf ::

A work experience program for high risk populations

An innovative work experience program for homeless persons who do not respond to traditional training programs.   It was specifically designed to prepare homeless ex-addicts who are unmotivated and have little or no work histories, for skills training and employment.

New Leaf's central feature is a work experience project where the emphasis is on the development of responsible and work-appropriate attitudes and behaviors.

New Leaf introduces participants to and helps them master, basic tasks, essential for employment success, such as , to complete tasks; work towards a goal; work with others; take orders; dress appropriately; and other job readiness skills.

In addition to work experience, New Leaf provides:

• Job Readiness and Independent Living Skills
• Work Issues Groups

Participants are assigned real job functions growing plants and herbs in two greenhouses and an open garden.   They also work in an herbal vinegar production unit , creating, under strict conditions, flavored vinegar from the herbs they grow. A third worksite is a copy shop and bindery.   Participants help produce and sell products in greenmarkets throughout New York City .   They also create floral arrangements for special events.

New Leaf Director & Horticulturist - Edgar Sosa-Mieles

" At New Leaf, we grow plants, but its people we harvest"

Plants and vinegars may be purchased directly from the New Leaf Greenhouse.

The New Leaf Greenhouse
760 East 160th Street,
Bronx, NY 10456
(Entrance on Forest Avenue)
718-401-5400

Open to Public:
Mon - Fri, 9:30 am - 11:45am and 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Sample Product List             Pot sizes: 5, 6, &10 and one gallon    Hanging Baskets - 10 inches

Herbal Vinegar Enterprise

New Leaf processes and sells health promoting herbal vinegars for $4.50 per 12 once bottle (2 bottles - $8; 3 bottles - $12)

Process used to make herbal vinegar :

Our herbal vinegar formula relies on the oldest, most natural and simplest of methods of imparting flavor to vinegar.   The process is called maceration.   It consists of immersing a bundle of any given herb in vinegar for a period of time long enough for the aromatic oils as well as for the active principles that characterize each herb to become detectable to human gustatory and olfactory senses.

In New Leaf, we use cheese cloth to wrap large amounts of carefully selected fresh herbs, that we grow ourselves, to make highly concentrated flavoring pads.   We place these pads inside 50 gallon vats filled with vinegar.   The pads are left to slowly infuse their aroma and other properties into the vinegar.   This process lasts about six weeks on the average.   Because it does not make use of heat or any additive it seems to be the method that best conveys the delicate aromatic subtleties of each herb. Filtering is the next step after maceration, followed by bottling.   Additional fresh herbs are put into the bottles as a final flavor reinforcement as well as for visual presentation effect.    Herbal vinegars are produced in several flavors.   Herbal vinegars may be purchased by calling the New Leaf Program at 718-401-5400.

Schedule of Greenmarkets in New York City

YEAR ROUND GREENMARKETS:                       

Union Square Park (14th Street Park, near 17th Street)                Wednesday & Friday - 8 am - 6 pm
Tucker Square (66th Street - Broadway and Columbus Ave.)       Thursday & Saturday - 8 am - 5 pm
97th Street (Columbus & Amsterdam)                                               Friday - 8:00 am - 2 pm
Grand Army Plaza (near Brooklyn Library)                                       Saturday - 8:00 am - 5 pm

SEASONAL MARKETS
Harlem Market (125th & 7th Ave - Harlem State Office Bldg.)        July - Nov; Tuesday 8 am -5 pm
Jamaica Ave Market (160th Street)                                                   May - Sept; Saturday, 8 am - 4 pm
Hunts Point Market (Southern Blvd. & 163rd Street)                      June - Sept; Wednesday, 8:30 am - 5 pm

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