Community Therapy Garden Proposal for Harbor House
Donna Lubas
Professional Communications
Spring 2013
June 2nd, 2013

Table of Contents

Executive Summary 3
Purpose 5
Problem 5
Solutions 6
Social Benefits 6
Economic Benefits 6
Educational Benefits 7
Harbor House Mission Statement 8
Conclusion 9
References 10

Executive Summary

Purpose
This proposal is to encourage the implementation of a community garden on an unused portion of the property currently used by Harbor House in Appleton, WI.
Problem
A large portion of the lot currently maintains the potential for an increase in aesthetic qualities and usefulness.
Solutions
The establishment of an onsite therapy garden for residents and staff could aid in the resolution of several factors. Such a project would encourage community involvement with Harbor House via direct involvement in care of the garden, donation of supplies, and social networking. The quality of the property would be improved with a variety of foliage and color which would thus benefit the overall appeal of the neighborhood as well as present fundraising alternatives for Harbor House.

Conclusion
Research has shown a wide variety of mental, physical, and socioeconomic benefits brought about by the creation of “green space” within a community. These include but are not limited to opportunities to teach the nutritional benefits of a healthy diet as well as improvements to mental and physical health.

Purpose
This proposal is to encourage the implementation of a community therapy garden on an unused portion of the property currently inhabited by Harbor House Domestic Violence Shelter in Appleton, WI.

Problems
It is my belief that the residents of Harbor House Domestic Violence Shelter in Appleton, WI are in need of alternative activities that would be healthy, therapeutic, educational and constructive. Due to varying individual circumstances and safety concerns, many of these residents are unable to seek such activities out in the community and are in need of options that can be taken advantage of in a comfortable and secure environment. Also, the property currently inhabited by Harbor House has a large portion of unused land that maintains the potential for an increase in aesthetic quality as well as the possibility to be utilized beneficially for residents, staff and members of the community. Along with these challenges, Harbor House depends primarily on grants and donations for day to day operations and progression of mission. Due to this fact, resources are limited which makes the establishment of such activities challenging. I believe, however, that this obstacle can be overcome with proper planning and collaboration with residents, staff and community members.

Solutions
It is my belief that the establishment of an onsite therapy garden for residents, staff and members of the community could aid in the resolution of several factors including social, economic, educational, and principle mission.
Social Benefits
Such a project would encourage community involvement with Harbor House via direct involvement in care of the garden by volunteers, staff, and residents who wish to participate, donation of supplies, and sharing of plant care knowledge, and creative gardening techniques. The aesthetic quality of the property could be significantly improved with a variety of plant life and color which would provide a sense of peacefulness for those in direct view of the premises and could encourage fellow community members to feel more at ease with the presence of Harbor House in the neighborhood.
Economic Benefits
The implementation of a community garden could also benefit Harbor House economically. Although safety and confidentiality concerns would not permit the selling of flowers and/or produce on the property of Harbor House, there remains the option for staff and volunteers as well as current and previous residents that would be comfortable interacting with the community to do so at a separate location such as a Farmer’s Market stand or a local church or school. Proceeds from such a fundraiser could be used for day to day operations as well as needed supplies for current and future residents. The improved aesthetic quality of the property would also increase the land value of Harbor House and other near-by residences, thus benefiting the overall quality of the neighborhood.
Educational Benefits
Many individuals today lack understanding in regards to the mental health benefits of healthy eating, exercise, and social interaction. Although the use of greenspace as a therapeutic tool decreased throughout the 20th century, research in this area has grown exponentially over the last 20 years. (A review of ecotherapy as an adjunct form of treatment for those who use mental health services, 2008) One such study, done by Mind in 2007, conducted a survey of 20 participants regarding mental health aspects after a session of a 30 minute walk in a “green” environment (Mind Publications. (2007)). A summary of their findings is shown in the chart below.

Continuing studies are also beginning to link various other factors of natural settings on physical and mental health. These studies indicate that physical activity is effecting in the treatment of clinical depression and that children diagnosed with ADHD exhibit milder symptoms when allowed to play in “green space”. Along with this, research is showing that people of all ages show improvement in ability to cope with stress, concentration, relaxation and sense of purpose.

Principle Mission Benefits
Harbor House Vision, Values and Mission
“Vision: Harbor House holds a vision of social change by working to meet the needs of domestic abuse victims and survivors today, we hope to build a future that is intolerant of violence in all forms.
Values: Harbor House is committed to addressing domestic abuse issues through community leadership, volunteerism, and our Board of Directors. Harbor House values the stories of our women, children and youth, and appreciate their diversity and uniqueness. Harbor House is committed to confidentiality and objectivity. Harbor House is committed to educate the community on the issue of domestic violence.
Mission: To lead a community-wide partnership in the awareness and prevention of domestic violence and abuse and to offer safety and support to diverse families and individuals in crisis.” (Harbor House Domestic Violence Shelter, 2006, p.1).
The option to participate in a community therapy garden by Harbor House staff, volunteers and residents would also support the overall mission and values of the program. With increased community awareness of Harbor Houses’ mission via interaction and education of domestic violence within the community as well as the possibility of establishing connections within the community for staff and residents to further promote healthy lifestyle choices, social skills and employment opportunities.
Conclusion
Research has shown a wide variety of mental, physical, and socioeconomic benefits brought about by the creation of “green space” within a community. The utilization of this proposal has several potential benefits. These include an opportunity to teach about nutritional benefits of natural fruits, vegetables and herbs as well as physical health with exercise and fresh air. Improvements to mental health via an increase of purposefulness and community involvement, increase in bonding and friendship and decrease in depression as well as the importance of acceptance of uniqueness and social skills. Economic benefits such as the encouragement of donations and volunteering of time and talent to shelter through awareness of mission, fundraising possibilities through sale of flowers and produce as well as connections between residents, staff and members of the community could also be accomplished.

References
Buzzell, L., & Chalquist, C. (Eds.). (2009, July 31). Ecotherapy healing with nature in mind. Retrieved May 5, 2013, from http://www.ecotherapyheals.com/whatisecotherapy.html
Harbor House Domestic Violence Shelter. (2006). Harbor House Vision, Values and Mission [Pamphlet]. Author.
Mind Publications. (n.d.). Ecotherapy – the green agenda for mental health [Pamphlet]. Retrieved from http://www.ecotherapy.org.uk/files/ecotherapy/home/ecotherapy.pdf
Stevens, P. (2010). Embedment in the environment: A new paradigm for well-being? Perspectives in Public Health, 130(6), pp. 265-269. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1757913910384947
Wilson, N. W., Ross, M. K., Lafferty, K., & Jones, R. (2008). A review of ecotherapy as an adjunct form of treatment for those who use mental health services [pdf]. Journal of Public Mental Health, 7(3), 23-35. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.rasmussen.edu/docview/212398675?accountid=40836