VPI South, Vermont School for Girls is a nonprofit therapeutic school for girls ages 8 through 18 with complex trauma. They used grant funding to install an organic aromatherapy herbal garden and sensory pathway. The school’s goal was to add another level of healing for their students. After installing the sensory garden, the girls were able to visualize even more opportunities for organic living. They brainstormed what this would look like and used remaining funds to install an aquaponic system where fish waste will nourish the organic plants grown for aromatherapy. Students now go to this space for therapy sessions with clinicians, for peaceful lunch and school sessions, and just to spend time enjoying the benefits of the greenhouse all year round. Of 60 girls, more than 40 of them routinely go to the sensory garden. The greenhouse teachers hold monthly events in this space for students and staff, including spring ice cream socials, a celebration for Earth Day, and a poetry reading to honor National Poetry Month.
Thank you to VPI South, Vermont School for Girls for sharing your organic project!
Please join us in congratulating the recipients of the CCOF Foundation’s Future Organic Farmer Grants.