2015: The Vision

One day while Ms. Sheila taught in the Los Angeles’ Imperial Projects in 2015, she discovered that her kids did not play outside on the weekends — it was too dangerous.

With her own savings, Ms. Sheila began a program to take the kids on field trips to museums and outdoor spaces around Los Angeles.

2016: The Garden Begins

In January of 2016, Sheila reached out to Joe Corso, former Garden Director at Long Beach Organic, with a bold vision in mind. This connection opened the door to securing garden plots, laying the foundation for hands-on garden activities at Adventures to Dreams Enrichment.

2017: Planting Roots

Nominated for her commitment to the ideals of scholarship, leadership, and service to the community, Ms. Sheila received recognition as an honorary member of The National Society of Collegiate Scholars at CSULB in 2017.

2018: Becoming a 501(c)(3) non-profit

Adventures to Dreams Enrichment took a huge step forward in 2018. The garden celebrated becoming a nonprofit in the late summer, supported by volunteers and the community.

By December 2018, the program had grown to 25 kids and Sheila’s savings were exhausted.

2019: The search for a new garden.

Sheila was blessed by the Whole Kids Foundation with a a Garden Grant, PLUS an anonymous donation. After braving the possibility of closing the garden in late 2018, this miracle was enough to keep operations running!

2020: Relocation

In February of 2020, a partnership was created between Sheila and the City of Long Beach Parks & Recreation. She was granted 10,000 sq ft of land at Drake-Chavez Greenbelt Park, moving the garden from a shared space (South 40 Community Garden), to our own plot of land.

2021: First Gift Giveaway

Our first Holiday Gift Giveaway was held in December of 2022! Our garden was filled with games, clothes, and toys for the visiting children.

2022: First Food Giveaway

A staple event of the garden, our monthly food giveaways began in 2022. We still give out food on the third Friday of every month, partnering with the LA Regional Food Bank.

2023: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

We had our very first event for girls in 2023, called Girls Just Wanna Have Fun! We were visited by Robin Winston, traffic anchor on NBC Channel 4 news.

2024: Let’s Hear It For The Boys!

In 2024, we held our first ever event for boys! It included a trip to the Port of Long Beach, where the boys toured the ships and containers.

2025: Growing branches

Ms. Sheila and Vivi have continued to make connections to local businesses around Long Beach, creating mutual relationships of enthusiasm and care for each others’ work.

2026: Let’s grow toward the sky!

What does this year have in store for us?