People Inc.
Promoting Growth at the People Inc. Greenhouse
Jun 26, 2024
By: Roxane Albond-Buchner, People Inc. Communications Director
People Inc.’s Day Services throughout Western New York offer a place for people with developmental disabilities to grow and learn while gaining independence. And one unique program takes “growth” to a whole new level with a hands-on approach to education in a working greenhouse, where plants, trees, fruits and vegetables are the center of attention. The Brighton Park Day Services program and greenhouse sits adjacent to a park and neighborhood in Tonawanda.
Buzzing with Activity
Patricia Coggins, People Inc. Senior Day Supervisor, leads the gardeners--including 17 regular participants--in planting, weeding and watering. She encourages choices on the types of vegetable seeds, provides accessible tools and expertly breaks down the process of planting. Together, they tend to an array of tropical house plants, succulents, vegetables and more within the greenhouse and in outdoor raised garden beds.
Johnsie Quick appreciates accessing the greenhouse using her wheelchair. She looks forward to watering the plants and watching the vegetables grow so they can be put outside – especially the green beans.
Jessica Tolbert enjoys watering and weeding the plants almost every day, and her favorites are the differently colored flowers. She is looking forward to being able to plant all summer in the raised beds.
“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.”
Direct support professionals assist gardeners in planting, watering and harvesting at People Inc.'s Brighton Park greenhouse.
A Host of Benefits
The greenhouse, originally established in the late 1980s with a grant from the Blue Rose Foundation, is also a therapeutic experience for many of the program attendees who find a spot to relax, taking in the fresh scents, sitting by the fishpond and enjoying the beautiful greenery and colors. Several people will venture into the greenhouse when they feel an urgent need for the calming benefits of being in nature.
Through generous assistance provided by the Lutheran Association for the Developmentally Disabled the motors in the greenhouse fans were recently overhauled and a larger plot of accessible raised garden beds are being installed.
With a strong emphasis on community integration, health, wellness and volunteering, People Inc. develops day programs that promote each person in their journey to reach their full potential. Learn more about our program options.