Back in early July, Crossroads was contacted by gardener Jeffrey Smith about the possibility of donating some tomato and pepper plants to our Therapeutic Communities (TCs). What we received was so much more.
Jeffrey began nursery gardening after the last local nursery closed in the Grants area. He had always enjoyed gardening with his son and felt having quality vegetable starts were helpful for his son to experience as he grew up. Jeffrey also had an interest in helping folks gain access to gardens who usually wouldn’t, due to being justice involved. He became aware of Crossroads and the work we do, specifically Maya’s Place, while working for the Mental Health Court at the Metropolitan Court, as a jail diversion officer. He recognized that Maya’s Place, represented a much needed resource for individuals dealing with dependencies and other mental health issues.
In July, Jeffrey not only donated some tomato and pepper plants to our TCs, but helped both facilities assemble wooden raised garden beds. At each location, he, along with community members filled them with soil (also donated by Jeffrey) and some plant starts from his own greenhouse! Jeff worked with both TCs community members and staff in a productive, hands on training.
Garden beds at Pavilions, in Los Lunas
Gardening can help refocus our bodies and minds on purposeful tasks that may promote calmness and improve our mood. Jeffrey’s generous donation has been profoundly beneficial for our community members. Staff at both resident facilities have commented that the community members have been very involved with the upkeep of the gardens and it has improved morale.
From all of us at Crossroads, we want to thank Jeffrey for his kind donation and taking the time to help our staff and community members get set up with these beautiful gardens.