Nevertheless We Persisted!

There are as many ways to tell the story of our non-profit as there are leaves in the woodland garden, but this month, we’re celebrating persistence. Who would have imagined a small once-private garden would one day bear fruit beyond measure? Begun with heart, vision, and a (still-existing) mortgage, Boxerwood Education Association (BEA) incorporated in 2000 as a non-profit dedicated to earth care. The early years focused on root issues: refining the mission, hiring staff, recruiting volunteers and partners. Challenges abounded, yet also miracles.

How could we pay for staff? Could schools even afford our programs? What about the woodland garden? Thus, at the dawn of the 21st century, we set forth. We took care of the garden, built education programs, welcomed schools – and all of it brought friends, supporters, and donors. We became an expression of our community’s full heart. We grew, then met more challenges. How would BEA thrive after our beloved founders retired? How would we recover from the 2009 recession? From the pandemic? From whatever in 2025 is now coming down the pike? Through it all, we have persisted. 

We have persisted because what BEA is striving to bring forth – a thriving world – is always worth striving for. We have persisted because hundreds and hundreds of friends near and far have sustained this ever-evolving and ever-necessary work. Thank you, Boxerwoodians – and congratulations: We’re 25!

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