In Pulaski County's 2018 Community Assessment, substance abuse treatment ranked as important to very important to the 609 respondents. Sky Hope Rehabilitation Center is a 100-bed facility for women with drug addictions.  Pulaski County has a large drug abuse problem. Gardening has been shown to have many positive effects on humans. There are physical, cognitive, social, and psychological benefits such as improvement in self-esteem, alleviation of depression, increased strength and stamina, and decreased stress.

Raised beds were constructed in 2019 and 2020. During 2021-22, the Horticulture Agent led weekly lessons and plantings outside during the growing season. Lake Cumberland Master Gardeners assisted. Four straw bales were also planted.

In addition, not only do they learn about gardening but we try to include some other non-gardening, hands-on, fun programs, for example, making lotion, using stevia to sweeten lemonade, making soap, growing mushrooms on logs, and planting a succulent garden (and others).

The group of women who work in the garden changes as they move into other phases of their recovery. From one month to the next, the group may turnover by a quarter or half.  The weekly visits are crucial to keep everyone on the same page. 

Many crops were planted. When produce is harvested, residents record the weight. Over 67 pounds of produce (valued at $134) has been harvested from the garden so far.

Several women had backgrounds in gardening and were excited to get to do some while they are recovering. Others were absolutely at level zero on their knowledge. They have proved to be capable adults, working together and learning to produce successful and nutritious crops.

The residents asked about growing strawberries so in early spring 2022, one raised bed was planted entirely in strawberries. They are encouraged to eat them straight off the plants, therefore no harvest data is gathered on them. 

Several of the women say they look forward to the once-a-week sessions and is one of their favorites of the week.

The Pulaski County SNAP-Ed assistant and Horticulture Agent work with the kitchen staff to see what garden produce could be incorporated into meals. With so many residents, herbs are one of the best items. Residents are not only learning about growing food but also nutrition through SNAP-Ed programs that are presented bi-weekly and/or monthly.