Chanute’s Tri-Valley Day Program attendees can now utilize a greenhouse, which has been recently set up at Tri-Valley’s Chanute Service Center at 3602 Johnson Drive in Chanute. “The greenhouse serves as an inclusive, handson learning environment that engages individuals of all abilities and ages,” Special Projects Coordinator Tricia Campbell said. “It offers valuable lessons in patience, responsibility, and the understanding that plants depend upon human care.
The greenhouse not only provides emotional and health benefits but fosters the development of sustainable vocational skills.
According to Campbell, caring for plants in a structured and guided setting can contribute to an individual’s social, spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being.
Tri-Valley began exploring plants through a horticulture therapy program which started in 2004 at the Fort Scott location, Four years later the program expanded to a 2,200 square foot greenhouse. Since then, efforts have been made to start a similar program in Chanute.
In 2019, two raised planters were installed at the Chanute Service Center, which Campbell said was partially funded by a grant. The new greenhouse was funded by donations.
“Nikki Jacobs approached us with a donation from the Autism Hope for Families organization,” Campbell said. “Upon discussion, we felt this donation would be ideal to help with the creation of a greenhouse in Chanute, and Nikki agreed.”
According to Tri-Valley, horticultural therapy helps improve memory, cognitive abilities, task initiation, language skills, and socialization. It can also have physical benefits by promoting the strengthening of muscles and improved coordination, balance, and endurance. In vocational horticultural therapy settings, people learn to work independently, problem-solve, and follow directions.
Many participants in the Fort Scott Program choose to participate in farmers markets or the county fair with what they have grown, options that will soon be available to those attending the Chanute Day Program.
To learn more about Tri-Valley Developmental Services, visit https://www.tvds.org/.
