Agencies team for garden therapy, 6-week program for healing, personal growth
Photo by Ginny Kropf: Chantea Mitchell poses in a garden at the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orleans County at the 4-H Fairgrounds, where she has announced the founding of PlantHERPurpose, a non-profit organization she founded to serve justice-involved women, survivors of domestic violence and women in recovery.
KNOWLESVILLE – Founding a trauma-informed garden education and healing program designed to serve justice-involved women, survivors of domestic violence and women in recovery has been a vision of Chantea L. Mitchell for years.
She has just announced the launch of a new non-profit organization on June 16 at UConnectCare in Albion.
Through hands-on gardening, peer support, wellness education and partnerships with local organizations, participants will gain practical skills, strengthen support networks and develop healthy pathways toward healing and personal growth, Mitchell said.
The program empowers women to heal and grow through trauma-informed garden therapy, peer support and community connection, Mitchell explained. The program provides a safe and supportive space for women who may be navigating trauma, domestic violence, recovery and justice involvement.
During the first session, participants will complete orientation, review program expectations, begin building community and take part in healing-centered and garden-based activities. Over the course of six weeks, participants will engage in guided journaling, peer circle discussions, hands-on gardening activities, wellness education, safety planning and connections to local community resources.
As a lifelong Orleans County resident with more than 20 years of experience in criminal justice and human services, Mitchell developed PlantHERPurpose to address the need for safe, supportive and healing-centered opportunities for women facing significant challenges.
The inaugural six-week cohort will be held in Albion and will include collaborations with such community partners as Cornell Cooperative Extension, Orleans County Department of Social Services’ Domestic Violence Program, RESTORE Sexual Assault Services, UConnectCare and Orleans Community Health.
“This program highlights a grassroots effort to support local women through community partnerships, education, wellness and recovery,” Mitchell said.
More information on the program is available by e-mailing plantherpurpose@gmail.com.
