Kenosha WI, (June 3, 2026) As the chosen beneficiary of Easton Stiner’s Eagle Scout Service Project, the Shalom Center received six, large, raised garden beds for the organization’s future Community Garden. Scheduled to open next spring, the garden will provide fresh vegetables for the Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry.

Volunteering regularly with his grandmother, Stiner learned at a young age how the Shalom Center helps people in Kenosha. Stiner explained, “I have gotten to know the staff and the operations of this shelter and pantry. I like helping there because I see firsthand the amount of good the Shalom Center does for our community.”

Stiner was a Life Scout and freshman at Tremper High School when he initiated the Raised Garden Beds Eagle Scout Service Project to support the Shalom Center’s mission. “I met with the beneficiary to discuss what I could do that would be most helpful to their mission and current needs. They are working on a large-scale garden plan, and they requested my assistance with building raised garden beds,” the newly-ranked Eagle Scout from Troop 1865 reflected.

After careful planning and obtaining the necessary approvals, Stiner raised money through donations to purchase the materials and supplies needed for construction. Next, he enlisted the help of other Scouts and community volunteers to construct the garden beds offsite. During the build, Stiner oversaw the safety and workmanship of the crew. Finally, using the Shalom Center box truck, the team transported the beds to the Shalom Center. When the Community Garden space is complete, the six, moveable, 4’ x 8’ garden beds will be filled, planted, and maintained by Shalom Center staff and volunteers.

According to Shalom Center Executive Director Esther Roberts, the Community Garden will provide fresh produce for the food pantry, promote community wellness, and strengthen employee and volunteer cohesion. Roberts said, “We are exceptionally grateful for the hard work and leadership of Easton. The garden beds are well-crafted and will be an integral feature of the Community Garden.”

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About the Center: Shalom Center is a 501(c)3 in Kenosha County serving as the only homeless shelter, largest food pantry, and longest running nightly meal program. Shalom Center is a community resource that provides housing, food, guidance, and support to individuals and families in need across our community. Our mission is simple: serve the community through food, shelter and supportive ways. We believe that this mission will help realize a greater vision: self-sufficiency by maximizing the potential of people we serve. https://www.shalomcenter.org/