Trillium grant to support therapeutic horticulture at Hope House
GUELPH — Hope House Guelph Community Food Centre has received a $157,600 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to expand its therapeutic horticulture program.
On Sept. 12, Green Party of Ontario MPP Mike Schreiner joined Hope House staff to mark the occasion. The grant will support additional therapy sessions and the hiring of a horticultural therapy assistant to meet growing demand.
The therapeutic horticulture program uses nature-based activities such as planting, harvesting and garden care to support community members facing challenges including poverty, social isolation, mental health struggles and trauma, states a news release.
“We know that access to green spaces and hands-on work with plants has measurable effects on mental wellness,” said Hope House executive director Mike Weickert.
The program provides participants with opportunities to develop skills, connect with others and spend time in a natural setting.
Hope House Guelph serves hundreds of individuals and families each week through a range of supports, including a food market, café, clothing program and mental health initiatives.
The organization said the new funding will allow it to offer more therapeutic horticulture sessions and increase its capacity to serve community members.
