Levesque Institute work-study student LeeAnn Gajewski, a junior majoring in social work from Wilson, N.Y., coordinated a beautification project during National Volunteer Week, April 20-26, on the south end of the City of Niagara Falls in partnership with Niagara Beautification.
Gajewski, service project coordinator for the institute, organized a team that included other Niagara University students, Brennan Scholars, Niagara Falls City Council candidate Vince Cauley, and residents of the Fourth Street area. Together, they planted a sustainable community garden in weatherproofed garden boxes that will provide fresh produce and flowers for the people in that neighborhood. They also cleaned up trash along the streets there, and spoke with local businesses about opportunities for collaboration in the maintenance and promotion of the garden.
“The service opportunity created through this partnership brought together a variety of impactful efforts. Starting with the creation of the community garden itself, we laid the foundation for sustainable access to fresh produce and a welcoming green space for residents. Informing the community about this free service was key, and it was heartening to see how quickly people embraced the project once they learned it was designed for everyone’s benefit,” Gajewski said. “Overall, partnering with Niagara Beautification made it possible to create a project that combined practical service, environmental care, and community connection. It was not just about improving physical space—it was about planting seeds of pride, cooperation, and long-term growth in the heart of the neighborhood.”