Valley to Valley Senior Care Center has recently redone their garden to allow seniors an opportunity to get their hands in the dirt. The center formed a landscaping committee and with the help of volunteers began chipping away at the project. They estimate that around 50 volunteer hours went into this project.
Eve Braden, CEO of Valley to Valley explained how the seniors have taken to the new space “They love it. How much does it mean to them? Miles absolutely miles.”
This garden was made possible by the community at large. Many local businesses including Brady’s Garden Center, Murdoch’s, and Butala Sand and Gravel all donated as well as numerous individuals.
Donated items included sunshades, planters, mulch, plants, landscape rocks, soil. The center has also received a new sign, which can be seen in front of the building as well as in the garden. The parent nonprofit, Caring and Sharing was supportive of the project and the committee’s vision and they are all extremely grateful for this.
Volunteers and Committee members hard at work preparing the garden. Image by Lisa Munsch.
Though the garden is already in use, the committee plans to add additional projects soon to continue to make the space accessible and equitable. They hope to do a hardscape project to allow seniors with limited mobility the opportunity to spend time in the garden.
This project began its planning phases in the fall of 2020 when the committee cleaned out the raised beds in preparation for the spring. Plants were selected by Brady’s staff so they would thrive in their new environment. Since the plants have gone in, the seniors have worked the garden into their daily routine.
“It’s really exciting that the seniors come out almost every day and water. They’re really into watering so it’s cool how involved in it they are,” explained Lisa Munsch, one of the project leaders.
“I’m ecstatic over the fact it looks so good,” said Braden, who added that the garden is a highlight for many of the seniors. Most days they can be seen under the shade and watering every morning. The community came together to achieve this project and all those involved thank the organizations and volunteers for their time and resources. “it’s been a godsend and a blessing,” said Braden.
Completed renovations to the garden with even more to come in the future. Photo by Brooke Gilmore.
Valley to Valley offers affordable day respite care for central Colorado community members. Their program affords each participant a place and opportunity to build friendships and enjoy stimulating activities. It is a place where dignity, confidence, security, and independence are assured in a caring, professional environment that adds joy to their quality of life.
Their care center provides the caregivers a break from their daily routines while at the same time assuring that their loved ones receive quality care from a compassionate, professional staff. The caregiver can have a day or a few hours to meet the demands of their own lives, hold a daytime job or just have time alone.
The typical hours of operation are 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and the center is located at 348 G Street Salida, Colorado.
Currently, the center is looking for a metal table for the garden so the seniors can gather around it and enjoy the surroundings. Click here to learn more about the center and here to donate.
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