2023 – 2024 Impact Report

Rooted in Community. Powered by Nature. Built for Change.

ChoZen Center for Regenerative Living (CCRL) is a nonprofit organization founded to address urgent social, environmental, and health challenges facing Florida and beyond. It emerged from ChoZen Retreat, which over the past two years, has evolved into a regional hub for regenerative agriculture, conservation, wellness, and environmental education—rooted in one of Florida’s most biodiverse ecosystems.

From hosting thousands of guests and volunteers to launching federal grant initiatives and co-producing a national conservation documentary, CCRL has made measurable strides in reconnecting people to nature, restoring ecosystems, and improving community well-being.

Key Highlights From 2023–2024

7,000+

Individuals educated on regenerative living and ecosystem awareness

1,261 lbs

Produce grown, plus 2,000 lbs of food waste composted

339

Seniors engaged through urban agriculture via a USDA grant

$50,000+

Revenue generated for small businesses through seasonal artisan markets

1st

Volunteer Wildlife Rescue Chapter established in Indian River County

$100K

Donated to the Path of the Panther documentary we co-produced

This report outlines the foundation we’ve built—and invites you to be part of what comes next.

Hands-on learning session at ChoZen, Sebastian, Florida

Programs & Outreach

  • Hosted weekly farm-to-table lunches, soil trainings, and sustainability workshops
  • Delivered 3 public lectures on regenerative agriculture, health, and composting
  • Conducted 5 internal trainings for staff
  • Served 225 meals to low-income seniors and volunteers
  • Co-produced Path of the Panther and donated $100,000 to support the film’s reach and conservation message
  • Reached 100,000+ individuals via social media and newsletters

Eco-Education & Nature Immersion

  • 52 Saturday Eco Tours offered to the public
  • Over 7,000 individuals exposed to regenerative and ecological practices
  • ~3,000 overnight retreat guests
  • ~1,200 retreat program participants
  • ~3,000 Artisan Market attendees
Land restoration work at ChoZen, Sebastian, Florida
Regenerative farming at ChoZen, Sebastian, Florida

Environmental Impact | Regenerative Agriculture & Composting

  • 52 Farm Fridays hosted with 200+ volunteers
  • 1,261 lbs of produce and 305 lbs of fruit harvested
  • 2,000 lbs of food waste composted into 1,000 lbs of rich soil
  • 12 native trees planted on site

Economic Impact | Local Business Growth

  • 6 seasonal Artisan Markets held
  • 25+ small businesses featured per event
  • $50,000+ in vendor revenue generated
  • Supported over 100 local makers, farmers, and wellness entrepreneurs
  • Strengthened the local circular economy through accessible event platforms
Community gathering around a shared table at ChoZen, Sebastian, Florida

USDA Grant: Senior Agriculture Education

  • USDA UAIP Grant awarded (2023–2025)
  • Project: Fleet Farming Expansion of Senior-Focused Agriculture Education
  • Goal: Educate 900 seniors and grow 1,000 lbs of produce
  • Progress to date: 339 seniors educated; 1,261 lbs of produce grown
  • Partners: IDEAS For Us, The Village of Kashi, By The River Senior Center

Grant Funding & Expansion

  • USDA UAIP Grant supported expansion of food access & senior wellness
  • Strengthened collaboration between public, nonprofit, and grassroots networks
  • Built scalable models for regenerative community economies

Wildlife Rescue

  • Established the first Volunteer Wildlife Rescue Chapter in the county
  • Provided meals and support to IRC and Brevard County rescue teams
  • Enabled rapid response and recovery for distressed wildlife

Partnerships & Recognition

  • Co-produced and funded Path of the Panther, sparking widespread dialogue around wildlife corridors
  • Featured in national conversations on sustainable development and regenerative land use

Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation

The Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation champions the protection of connected, conserved lands throughout Florida to ensure the survival of native wildlife and the health of natural ecosystems. Their work supports policy, storytelling, and partnerships that advance large-scale land conservation.

IDEAS For Us

IDEAS For Us is an environmental nonprofit and UN-accredited NGO focused on advancing sustainability through local action. They develop programs that tackle global challenges such as energy, food, water, waste, and ecology through education, workforce training, and community engagement.

Fleet Farming

Fleet Farming is a highly acclaimed urban agriculture program that transforms lawns and underutilized spaces into productive micro-farms. Operating under IDEAS For Us, it promotes food justice, environmental education, and community access to fresh produce.

Wildpath

Wildpath uses powerful storytelling and immersive media to inspire conservation and reconnect people to wild Florida. Through partnerships and productions like Path of the Panther, they elevate awareness of environmental issues and advocate for the protection of natural corridors.

The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy is one of the world’s leading environmental organizations, working in Florida and beyond to conserve lands and waters for future generations. Their science-based, collaborative approach supports biodiversity, climate resilience, and sustainable development.

Indian River Neighborhood Association (IRNA)

The IRNA works to protect the Indian River Lagoon and surrounding natural resources through education, advocacy, and community engagement. Their focus on responsible growth and environmental stewardship aligns with local conservation and sustainability efforts.

By The River Senior Center

By The River is a nonprofit senior living community focused on providing a healthy, affordable, and environmentally conscious lifestyle for aging adults. They are a key partner in CCRL’s senior-focused agriculture and wellness programs.

The Village of Kashi

The Village of Kashi is a spiritual and intentional community located along the St. Sebastian River, rooted in ecological stewardship and mindful living. They support sustainable agriculture, interfaith dialogue, and healing through connection to the land.

Be Part Of What Comes Next