The Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corp. (NDC), in partnership with Madison Park Community Development, Nuestra Comunidad, Urban Edge, and NeighborWorks celebrated the launch of a newly published collection of short stories entitled “NeighborWorks Works” on Tues., Dec. 20. About 45 neighbors, staff, and stakeholders gathered at Frugal Bookstore in Boston for the event.

The stories showcase community building work in Boston and across the country with a focus and analysis on Codman Square NDC’s OASIS (Opportunity, Affirmation, Sustainability, Innovation, and Success) project.

The urban agriculture project has transformed a one-time vacant city-owned lot at 100 Ballou Ave. in Dorchester into a 20,000-square-foot safe place for kids and families. The initiative has created a local food system in Dorchester that simultaneously supports formerly incarcerated men and agricultural based workforce programs while also promoting healthy food access to a growing green economy in the community.

The farm at Ballou Avenue produces more than 600 pounds of fresh fruits and veggies a year, runs a healthy nutrition program, and trains men of color who are re-entry citizens around sustainable farming.