Wilmington, DE – April 13, 2026 – The Delaware Center for Horticulture (DCH), a local non-profit organization dedicated to improving the community through the power of plants, celebrated the graduation of six Branches to Chances® (BtC) participants on Thursday, April 9, 2026. The ceremony began with opening remarks from DCH Executive Director, Joanne McGeoch, Senator Christopher Coons, and keynote speaker, Terell Watson, Peer Mentor and Outreach Coordinator for the Wilmington Hope Commission, who addressed the graduates.
“As this is the 16th graduating class of Branches to Chances, we have learned some important lessons along the way. This is more than a horticultural training program and introduction to green jobs,” said executive director, Joanne McGeoch, “for many of our trainees, it’s a fresh start. A new beginning. A chance for them to experience pride in helping to beautify our community and improve the environment. It plants a seed of hope that starts with hard work, perseverance, and a desire to make change. These are not small endeavors, and each of our graduates this year exhibited this hope and worked hard to achieve this important milestone. We are proud of their accomplishments.”
BtC is the Delaware Center for Horticulture’s innovative return-to-work program with 117 successful graduates to date. Participants come from many backgrounds seeking a supportive approach to gaining employment and exploring the opportunities available in the green industry. Through the 9-week program, participants are equipped with hands-on training in horticulture, landscaping, and urban forestry.
“We must welcome those who have an open heart and a willingness to grow in the interest of being part of the fabric of our community, and invest in better futures for people who are willing to invest in themselves,” said Senator Coons. “I am so grateful for a chance to have helped secure $500,000 for Branches to Chances, because I believe deeply in the transformational power of service, of giving back. At a time when there are too many bombs and too much violence, too much war, both at home and abroad, being a part of a crew that’s going to make a difference is a really exciting thing.”
The Delaware Center for Horticulture operates the only nationally accredited conservation corps program in Delaware and is launching the Urban Conservation Corps this summer. Building on the success of BtC, DCH has launched the Urban Conservation Corps, a 12-week paid horticultural training program for individuals aged 18-25. Leveraging the network of the National Association of Service and Conservation Corps, our UCC program is modeled after more than 150+ Corps nationwide providing young adults the opportunity to serve, learn and earn, by supporting conservation projects in urban communities.
About Delaware Center for Horticulture
Since 1977, the Delaware Center for Horticulture has inspired individuals and communities through the power of plants. Its work includes creating and maintaining the first Urban Farm in the city of Wilmington, establishing the Branches to Chances® Return to Work Program, beautifying public landscapes, planting and advising on the urban placement of trees, and hosting educational programs and community events. For more information, visit www.thedch.org.
