As we keep our mission of providing a Home always close at hand, we are dedicated to offering personalized services that encourage personal growth. We have found this to be especially true in our “Green Healing” project. In the summer of 2006 we started with a simple idea, “let’s plant a garden for all our guests to take care of and benefit from”. This straightforward concept quickly blossomed and cultivated many rewards.

The first reward being a wonderful sense of pride we witnessed in all guests who were involved directly and many who were involved indirectly. As we are all aware, the gardening process is very healing.  Planting a seed or plant and nurturing it until it blooms into a fully grown fruit ready for eating, is a direct reflection of basic human needs fulfillment. In many cases it can be a springboard to thoughts of what are “my” basic needs to be able to blossom? What should “I” be supplying myself to achieve this? It also directly reflects perseverance and follow-through. Seeing something from beginning to end, which in our environment is a big obstacle.

Another reward is the ability to see, touch and consume fresh produce. As we are a non-profit organization which does not receive government grants, we rely heavily on donations of food for our over 1200 meals a week.

Also, as the garden is onsite, it adds an extra homelike quality to our Backyard, and helps set a positive atmosphere for our guests. It is normally the topic of conversation everyday through out the summer months, as we all discuss the progress and even make observations for improvements for the next year.