In Pulaski County's 2018 Community Assessment, substance abuse treatment ranked as important to very important to the 609 respondents.  In a survey (2016-2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health) of individuals over the age of 12, 8 to 9% of those respondents had used illicit drugs in the past month in the Pulaski County area.  In addition, Kentucky’s 2021 Overdose Fatality Report indicated Pulaski County’s death rate due to drug overdoses was 59.8 deaths per 100,000 residents (on par with Warren County which is a more populous county). Sky Hope Rehabilitation Center is a 100-bed facility for women with drug addictions located in Somerset KY.  

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.  These benefits have been seen in recovery garden programs. 

Raised beds were constructed at Sky Hope in 2019 and 2020. During 2022-23, the Horticulture Agent led weekly lessons and plantings outside during the growing season. Lake Cumberland Master Gardeners assisted. Two straw bales were also planted.

In addition, not only do they learn about gardening but residents are engaged in 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 are planted, however, most of the harvest is too small to feed all the residents.  Therefore, we also grow herbs, garlic, and cutting flowers. These crops can be used in the kitchen or just to brighten the cafeteria or personal rooms.  

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.

Several of the women say they look forward to the once-a-week sessions and is one of their favorites of the week. In addition, volunteering to do garden chores has increased their self-confidence and given them leadership responsibilities. 

The Pulaski County SNAP-Ed assistant and Horticulture Agent work with the kitchen staff to see what garden produce could be incorporated into monthly SNAP-Ed lessons. 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.