Seeds of Purpose: Youth Empowerment through Gardening, Farming, and Trades
Seeds of Purpose: Youth Empowerment through Gardening, Farming, and Trades
- Sponsoring Organization: The Overflow
- City/State: Morganton, NC
- Grant Program: Emerging Leader Grants
- Grant Amount: $15,000
Leader Profile:
Born and raised in Morganton, NC, Jared Harbison grew up with a strong foundation of responsibility, service, and faith—values that would later shape his calling as a community leader. Harbison brings more than a decade of leadership experience, including roles in manufacturing, where he learned the importance of teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. He later became a certified Life Purpose Coach, equipping him to guide others through personal growth and transformation. In 2025, he graduated from the NC Farm School through NC State Extension, strengthening his expertise in sustainable agriculture and land stewardship. In 2024, Harbison purchased 20 acres in Morganton to establish a homestead and create a permanent space for The Overflow, a nonprofit that began with his community garden project—an effort inspired by the generosity and joy shared by his great-grandmother and neighbors.
Project Summary:
The Overflow, established in September 2024, helps young men discover their identity, build life and vocational skills, and grow into who they were created to be. Its Inward, Outward, Upward mentoring model guides holistic growth:
- Inward fosters self-awareness and personal development.
- Outward turns growth into action through life skills, trades, service, and community stewardship.
- Upward uses Scripture to guide understanding of identity, responsibility, and purpose.
Programs include gardening, farming, trades training, and immersive outdoor workshops—hosted in natural settings that encourage reflection and connection.
The yearlong Seeds of Purpose initiative will serve 100 young men ages 11–18 with weekly mentoring, hands-on skills training, and seasonal camps. Participants gain practical skills, consistent mentorship, and biblical teaching that cultivate character, responsibility, and a heart for service.
