After a loss of 8,000 manufacturing jobs within a period of five years, almost every one of Le- noir, North Carolina’s 6,100 households felt the impact of living in a community faced with economic, social, and cultural challenges. As the community struggled to rebuild its economic base while addressing the increased demands for medical service for the uninsured and greater demands on social service agencies, a unique partnership, Caldwell Community Gardens was forged. The Caldwell Community Gardens partnership was formed and quickly developed a vision for transforming 5.6 acres of the site into the home of Unity Park and Community Gardens which would include 75 raised garden beds, a walking path, and fruit and berry orchards.