OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center is opening a community garden that will benefit those in need in our community.
The Healing and Wellness Community Garden came about through a collaboration between the OSF STRIVE Trauma Recovery Center and the Family Peace Center. The Healing and Wellness Community Garden also aligns with OSF Saint Anthony’s Blue Zones Certified Worksite initiatives.
This Community Garden has been funded by the City of Rockford Department of Health and Human Services - Community Services Block Grant under the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity as well as generous donations from many different community members.
“The garden will be an opportunity for Mission Partners and community members to work together to grow food that will then be donated to local food banks and those in need,” said Therasa Yehling, manager of the OSF STRIVE Trauma Recovery Center. “We are excited to provide our community with this opportunity. We have had great community support already, but we are always looking for volunteers and donations to keep our garden successful and to continue to benefit our community.”
We are looking for volunteers and those who would like to participate in the success of the garden. Our kick-off planting event will take place on Thursday, June 1, from 9 a.m. to Noon, and Friday, June 2, from 1 to 3 p.m. The Healing and Wellness Community Garden is located at the OSF Annex building at 5701 Strathmoor Drive, Rockford, Illinois.
Items in need: Chicken wire, potting soil, zip ties, garden soil, peat moss, compost, marigolds (seeds or plants), nasturtium (seeds or plants), flowers, large flowerpots, gardening tools (new or used).
To participate, contact Kristina Kuksuk: Kristina.M.Kuksuk@osfhealthcare.org.
To donate to current/future garden needs, contact Ryan Duvall: Ryan.R.Duvall@osfhealthcare.org.