I've heard of a number of such programs. One that comes to mind right now is
The Garden Project started by Catherine Sneed in San Francisco, 35 South Park,
SF 94107 (415) 243-8558. Her project started as an (organic) community garden
for SF county prisoners and had great results in helping them recover self-pride
and joy in nurturing rather than harming. After release, they still wanted to
garden, so she expanded the program, created a community garden. They sell
their produce to local restaurants. Works with low-income people, can pay a
modest wage, plantings at over 20 community centers. Helps green the
neighborhoods, supports other neighborhood improvement projects, cleanup, etc.
In 1992 launched Tree Corps, has planted 3000 trees, full-time employment for 20
people, under contract with SF Public Works. Another project is the School
Garden Corps, maintaining organic gardens at schools. I heard her talk once and
was very impressed by her passion, vision, practicality, and ability to reach
the people she works with. Really committed to supporting transformation
through working with nature/food/etc. And I'll bet she would know who else is
also doing this type of work.
Hope this info is useful to you -
Tricia Dines