Stanton Home Awarded Funds Toward Garden Project
Stanton Home has received $5,000 toward its North Plain Garden Project. |
GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Stanton Home has been awarded $5,000 by the Berkshire Charitable Life Foundation for the further development of its garden education programs.
A New England farm turned therapeutic facility, Stanton Home is located on a working organic farm.
The North Plain Garden Project will provide a participatory, life-enhancing gardening program for special-needs residents throughout Southern Berkshire County. The garden project will be administered by Stanton Home, formerly known as Life Needs Coop, a longstanding community leader in special needs co-housing.
The project will offer specialized instruction on greenhouse and garden bed preparation, planting, composting and harvesting, engaging students in discussions and preparation techniques that highlight nutrient content, health benefits, and use of various herbs, vegetables and fruits. Similar special-needs programs across the country have proven that gardening enriches the quality of life. It expands nutritional knowledge, improves eating habits and increases physical dexterity — vital to an individual's well-being.
"With nature as the primary teacher, the students learn responsibility, connection and teamwork. The support of Berkshire Charitable Life Foundation will allow us to broaden our services and offer their benefits to those with special needs in Southern Berkshire County," said Peter Stanton, executive director. "An expanded garden project represents a vital piece of the range of therapeutic opportunities that we offer, which we aim to make both educational and enjoyable."
The North Plain Garden Project will take place April through September 2014, and will feature two 4-hour classes per week.
Since 1986, Stanton Home has been dedicated to offering enriching activities, therapeutic day programs and communal living for people with special needs.
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