About Common Ground
Our story
Common Ground Foundation is built on a simple belief: stronger communities grow when people have opportunities to contribute, connect, learn, and belong.
Who We Are
Rooted in community
The Common Ground Foundation is a community-centered nonprofit inspired by America's agricultural heritage, the value of hard work, and the tradition of neighbors helping neighbors. We believe everyone has something valuable to contribute, and that stronger communities grow when people share their knowledge, talents, resources, and willingness to help.
Our work is about more than meeting immediate needs. We're building opportunities for people to learn, serve, develop practical skills, strengthen self-reliance, and form meaningful connections. By bringing people together and working alongside the communities we serve, we hope to help individuals and families overcome challenges, discover their strengths, find purpose and belonging, and build stronger futures.
We grow people. We grow opportunity. We grow community. We grow hope.
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Our Path Forward
From Vision to Action
Common Ground is being built by women who believe in showing up, lending a hand, and putting their individual strengths to work for something bigger than themselves. Each brings different experiences, talents, and perspectives, united by a commitment to helping people discover their strengths, find purpose, feel valued, and have meaningful opportunities to contribute.
Crystal Jean Bryan
Board Position: Board President/Chair
Operational Role: Founder & Executive Director
Areas of Expertise: Curriculum Design • Education & Instruction • Program Development • Creative Innovation • Strategic Planning • Organizational Development
✉️ crystal@growoncommonground.org
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What guides Us
Purpose With Direction
Our work begins with eyes to see, ears to listen, and hearts filled with compassion. We seek to understand the needs around us and bring people, strengths, and resources together to make a meaningful and lasting difference.
Mission
The Common Ground Foundation builds healthier, stronger communities by connecting people to the land, expanding access to wholesome, nutritious food, addressing malnutrition, and creating sustainable, community-driven opportunities for education, service, self-reliance, and meaningful connection.
Vision
A future where every community has a common ground where people of diverse backgrounds, generations, and experiences can come together to nourish their communities, cultivate shared resources, and create opportunities for everyone to flourish.
Purpose
To cultivate healthier, more resilient communities by bringing people together to address the interconnected needs of food, opportunity, knowledge, and belonging, while building the skills, confidence, and connections needed to thrive and shape a stronger future together.
The Values That Shape Our Work
Our Foundation
What we accomplish matters, but so does how we accomplish it. These values are the standards we hold ourselves to and the principles we want reflected in every relationship, decision, and effort that carries the Common Ground name.
Stewardship
We care for the land, resources, and communities entrusted to us.
Hard Work
We believe lasting change is built through effort, perseverance, and responsibility.
Kindness
We treat every person with dignity, compassion, and respect.
Neighbor Helping Neighbor
We strengthen communities through service, generosity, and mutual support.
Integrity
We act with honesty, transparency, and accountability.
Self-Reliance
We empower individuals and families to build healthier, more sustainable futures.
Our Path Forward
From Vision to Action
Common Ground is being built with intention—starting with what we can do now while keeping sight of where we’re headed.
We’re beginning with the land—growing fresh food, teaching practical skills, and bringing neighbors together. As Common Ground grows, so will the ways we serve—supporting people through times of transition, strengthening pathways to work and self-reliance, addressing housing and stability, and expanding access to learning and community resources.
Our long-term vision is a permanent working farm and learning center where food, education, mentorship, service, workforce opportunities, and community come together.
View Our Proposed Timeline
Rooted in the uintah basin
Our Home
Common Ground Foundation is taking root in Vernal, Utah, in the heart of the Uintah Basin—a place shaped by generations of agricultural heritage, hard work, self-reliance, and neighbors helping neighbors. Our region is rich in land, knowledge, skills, and people who care deeply about their communities.
Yet even strong communities face changing needs. Families experience financial pressures, young people need meaningful pathways into adulthood and employment, and individuals of all ages face times of transition when stability, guidance, or practical support can make a lasting difference.
We believe many of the resources needed to meet these challenges already exist within our communities. Common Ground is being created to help bring those strengths together—connecting people, knowledge, and resources to address today's needs while building opportunities for tomorrow.
Built here. Shaped by the people who live here. Growing with the community it serves.
Learn More About Vernal Utah
There’s a Place For You On Common Ground
Our work is just beginning
Common Ground will be shaped by the people who choose to be part of it. Whether you bring your time, experience, ideas, resources, or simply a willingness to help, there is a place for you here.
Come as you are. Bring what you can. Help us grow what comes next.
Connect with Us