From Gardening To Garments Vicki Canakaris: LUCY’S CLOSET & THE GARDEN CLUB PROGRAM V icki Canakaris provides services
Of course, their stay is temporary, as their mothers graduate from the program. Vicki shares, “Because our population is fluid, we have to be very flexible. The child that plants the seeds may not be the one still there to pick the fruits and vegetables. But it’s been a lot of fun!” MHFV is expanding the Garden Club so participants can benefit as well. Recently purchased apartments came with four raised flower beds, which are being converted to a community garden for residents. When the pandemic hit, charitable foundations, formerly providing clothing to MHFV, had to close their doors. So, the Garden Club, seeing the need, stepped up. Vicki shares, “A group of us got together. Lucy gave us an apartment, and we had the sweetest boutique.” She emphasizes, “We don’t charge anything. It's free for all women in the program.” Now that they had a place, of course, they needed clothing. Vicki says local groups are excellent at donating clothing, including the daughter-in-law of a Garden Club member, who got a newsletter out to everybody in her community. “We had five small truckloads that she had organized! CONTINUE READING >>>
for participants and their children, but not in the same place! For the children, she has the Garden Club, offering nature’s wonder. For the adults, she has Lucy’s Closet, offering free clothing and sundries to the women. The Garden Club has been around for a while: “This will be our sixth school year!” But there has been some shuffling around to get it just perfect. Originally held at a Lutheran church property, they needed to move to a nearby Methodist church two years ago because of regulations. Vicki shares, “It’s been difficult going place to place, but we recently purchased a building, so we’ll have our garden there—it’s really exciting!” The children plant seeds, tend to the garden, and do arts and crafts: “We are always doing hands-on nature projects, like bird houses and bird feeders.” And the children are always excited to give their handmade gifts to their mothers. Typically, the Garden Club is for children aged 5 to 13, but as usual, Mary Hall Freedom Village is flexible! Vicki explains, “Two summers ago, we had two girls aged fifteen and sixteen, and they were more like counselors at camp. They worked with us, with the kids. Whatever age, we work with them.” The children always form a bond. “This group of kids love and protect each other.”
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