Help a hurting child heal.

There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature."

Rachel Carson recognized the healing power of nature. Warm sun, blue sky, trickling water, fresh air. A sensory garden offers a safe space where children who have experienced abuse or neglect can begin the healing process. Hope Center for Children would like to transform the center of the emergency shelter into a therapeutic, sensory garden.

The existing courtyard needs structural repairs, including correcting drainage issues and installing a child-friendly rubber surface designed to minimize injury from falls. Following these repairs, a variety of sensory stimuli can be added. A sand tray is a powerful therapeutic tool that facilitates emotional processing in preverbal children (Association for Play Therapy, 2016). An area for water play can offer gentle audio stimulation that is calming to children who have experienced trauma. The rhythm of a gliding swing, large enough to allow a child to sit with an adult, creates a soothing pattern of motion for distressed children.

The space will be used by approximately 200 children annually and will last for years to come.

Thank you for joining the community of leaders who will be honored for making this healing space possible.