To volunteer with enAble of Georgia, go to www.enablega.org
For many, gardening is a hobby. But enAble of Georgia found a way to use the favorite pass time of green thumbs as a therapeutic outlet for their residents.
Partnered with Pike Nurseries, the Atlanta-based garden chain hosted an eight-week summer gardening workshop for the residents of enAble of Georgia. Each Thursday, garden experts taught at two of enAble’s facilities to discuss different gardening topics and help members experience a unique, hands-on connection with nature.
Upon meeting with the staff of enAble, “We needed to introduce gardening that stimulated smell, touch and taste for the residents,” said Pike Nurseries CEO Mike Kunce, who had been involved with a similar organization when he lived in California. “It was a great opportunity to give back through gardening and let the campers, in turn, also feel a part of the community.”
The gardening workshop coincided with the nonprofit’s first summer camp which hosted young people age 15-24. In addition to flowers, the staff also planted fragrant herbs as well as textured shrubs that stimulated the campers’ motor skills and allowed them adapt to their new surroundings. They also built and planted a raised garden. The raised beds ensured easy access for all participants, regardless of their mobility.
“Besides helping with motor skills, the gardening also helped in socialization and participation,” said Amy Vergith, Summer Program Director at enAble of Georgia. Vergith recalled one camper who was able to subside her social anxiety because of the gardening workshop. “Her transformation was amazing to watch. Something as simple as gardening allowed her find focus and enjoy what Pike and its staff has been doing for the past eight weeks.” Acts like playing with the dirt or shoveling also help redirect a lot of energy and cope with any frustrations.
Although the workshops are over, the community can still be involved by coming to volunteer with the participants of enAble and the garden.
Lindsey Yeager, development assistant/volunteer coordinator for Pike, led the workshops for eight weeks. “To see the campers engaged through gardening and finding it fun, the spirit and excitement is contagious.”
The Roswell-based organization provides residential homes, day service programs and community living assistance to area residents with developmental disabilities.
In other news: Global Aviation Holdings presented Christian City with a check for over $1,200 from their annual Global Aviation Holdings Charity Golf Outing. The money raised will help support and fulfill the needs of the abandoned, abused and neglected children who live in the cottages at the Children’s Village. Christian City has cared for over 1,000 children since 1965.
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