By Roxane Albond-Buchner

People Inc. provides opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to grow and learn while gaining independence. But People Inc.’s Brighton Day Park services and greenhouse program takes growth to a whole new level as participants engage with one another, plant, and learn in an environment filled with plants, trees, fruits, and vegetables. Located in Tonawanda, tropical house plants, succulents, vegetables, and outdoor raised garden beds are tended to by 17 gardeners. Participants also plant seeds in classrooms for later transfer to the garden using accessible tools.

Patricia Coggins, senior day supervisor encourages participants to choose their own seeds, and provides lessons on vegetable colors, uses, and tastes, and planting instructions. Coggins beams with pride as participants identify vegetable types and how they like to eat them. “It’s all about watching the growth of the people we support – that’s why we put so much energy into this program,” Coggins said. “They learn new skills and we see their self-esteem blossom along with the plants.”

Participant Johnsie Quick helps water plants from her wheelchair and enjoys watching the vegetables grow, while Jessica Tolbert enjoys watering, weeding, and the colored flowers.

The garden has become a therapeutic experience, where participants relax, sit by the fishpond, enjoy the fresh scents, and colorful array of greenery. Established in the late 1980s through a Blue Rose Foundation grant, the Lutheran Association for the Developmentally Disabled recent contribution made it possible to overhaul the greenhouse fans with new motors, to install a larger plot of accessible raised garden beds. Plans are also underway for further expansion through partnerships, immersive activities, horticulture, art displays, and sensory gardens.

Roxane Albond-Buchner is Communications Director People Inc. Learn more at www.people-inc.org.