Therapeutic horticulture as vocational training
The foundation of Root & Rise sits on the understanding that exposure to nature and the arts serves as therapy, as they reduce anxiety and depression, among other health benefits.
Another way to utilize gardening and crafting is to create job training and supportive/transitional employment.
Root & Rise continues to explore the idea of developing a horticulture-based vocational training program for those seeking independence, stability, and personal growth. While this is a big dream for the future, we look to successful, established programs, like The Homeless Garden Project of Santa Cruz, for inspiration.
Check out this article to learn about the inner workings of therapeutic horticulture vocational program.