Horticulture Vocational Training & Therapy
Thank you to ALL the wonderful donors who made this program possible! Now every youth on campus is able to experience the many emotional, physical, mental & vocational benefits of gardening.
Current Needs:
- Tools & potting soil for each of the 8 cottage gardens. Click here for the wish list.
- Small groups to help youth & staff put the garden bed kits together. Must be 21+ years old
The Benefits of Gardening Are Numerous
Successfully taking a tiny seed & helping it to grow & flourish
- Boosts Self Confidence
- Instills a spirit of hope, endurance & patience – virtues needed for both gardening & life
- Encourages relationship building, trust, responsibility, & problem solving skills
- Reduces recidivism rates among participants
- Lowers rates of depression & improves mental health
- Lowers stress levels
- Provides outdoor physical activity – exercise to improve endurance, strength, mobility & flexibility
- Increased emotional intelligence
Studies show prison gardens:
- Save money for criminal justice centers since they provide a healthy source of inexpensive fresh food for better nutrition
- Community gardens foster feelings of community & connection
Vocational Landscape Training
This horticulture program will also give hands-on-skills to residents
who can in turn find related jobs upon release.
Here’s a great article with more benefits of prison gardens.
