Center of Hope Foundation Receives $85,000 Grant from Fundación MAPFRE
Increasing Opportunities for People with Disabilities.
Southbridge, MA – 2/2/2022 – For many people gardening is a hobby that offers relaxation and helps to manage stress. Getting outside, enjoying the fresh air, and watching the progress and growth is enjoyed by people around the world. This is one of the many reasons the Center of Hope became interested in beginning a greenhouse. Furthermore, many of the skills learned can be transferred to gainful employment in many different types of settings.
The Center of Hope Foundation, located in Southbridge, MA, is a non-profit agency serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Opening new opportunities for everyone who is served is its mission and goal. “We knew that this hobby would deliver countless benefits to the program members we serve.” said Erika Travinski, COO, at the Center of Hope.
It was in 2021 that the MAPRFE Fundación awarded the Center of Hope with the Hope Grow’s Grant for $36,500 and has again generously awarded the Center of Hope with the Hope Grow’s Grant, providing $85,000 for 2022.
This partnership between MAPFRE Fundación and the Center of Hope has made this greenhouse a success. Program members have learned to plant and grow flowers and vegetables providing agricultural education. Raised beds were purchased allowing for handicap accessibility and new growing methods were introduced. By the end of the season, there was an abundance of plants and vegetables.
The benefits continue outside of the greenhouse. Kitchen workshops began where healthy eating and cooking is taught. The Center of Hope recently hired a new chef, allowing for more kitchen workshops and trainings. Program members assist in preparing healthy meals and snacks which are sold throughout the building in the VOC Café Cart. This has become a paid employment opportunity, allowing program members to learn and practice money skills, marketing, customer service, and sales.
Due to the pandemic, the Center was unable to purchase farm animals to introduce the concept of animal husbandry. However, program members have been about to visit a local farm, helping with the animals and learning about the responsibilities of farm life. The goal is to be able to purchase animals and continue teaching animal husbandry as a part of the Hope Grows Greenhouse.
Throughout the pandemic, employees from MAPFRE Insurance, located in Webster, MA, participated in weekly Zooms with program members, discussing different jobs and volunteer opportunities throughout their company. We look forward to hosting in-person dinner events where MAPRE employees and Center of Hope program members and employees can come together to increase cultural diversity and inclusion by enjoying a variety of foods from different cultures.
This partnership has opened up many new opportunities for the members we serve. New equipment and supplies will continue to be purchased to allow more and more program members to access the greenhouse and work in the kitchen. As this partnership grows, we continue to support each other through different endeavors by increasing awareness in all aspects of society and culture while growing together. To learn more about the Hope Grows Greenhouse, please visit www.thecenterofhope.org or call us at (508) 764-4085.
