Kentucky faces significant challenges with substance use disorders, and recovery centers are a critical first line of support.  Owensboro Regional Recovery (ORR) is one of 500 such facilities in the state.  ORR is a residential center for men that takes between 6-9 months to complete.  The facility can house upwards of 100 clients at a time.  Over the last decade, nutrition education was provided by Extension.   Even though no staff were available to teach nutrition education this past year, the Extension Horticulture Agent kept in contact and facilitated the on-site vegetable garden.

On August 21, 2024 ORR hosted a two-hour “Ripple Effects Mapping” (REM) evaluation of the garden programming provided by Extension.  Twenty-one people participated in the evaluation, including current clients, alumni of the program, administration, and Extension Educators.   REM is an evaluation method engaging stakeholders to visually map the chain of effect resulting from a program.   The facilitators of this REM session developed initial themes from their discussion that were reviewed by participants during the session.  As a result of the REM session and subsequent examination of data, Key Themes of Impact of the Recovery Garden were identified by participants as follows:

Gardening at ORR….

1. Awakens positive memories of loved ones who have helped you along the way.
   1. Engaging in gardening and cooking activities helps clients reconnect with positive memories and experiences, such as those with family members, that fosters a positive attitude essential for recovery.
   2. One participant said “I think about my memories of my grandmother when I’m working her in the (ORR) garden.  I know she’s still with me.  That’s real important.  I’ve been looking forward to being close with her.  Digging weeds up and picking the vegetables, she’s looking down on me.   This feeling helps motivate me to achieve something in my life.”
2. Fosters “brotherhood” and healthy social relationships among residents.
   1. The communal nature of gardening together builds social bonds amongst residents in a fun and supportive environment that lifts spirits and enhances overall well-being and connection to each other. Positive, healthy social relationships are critical to the recovery process.
   2. One participant said, “The garden helped me socialize with other people.   I used to not want to talk.  It helped me get along because I felt peaceful out in the garden.”
3. Develops a sense of accomplishment through opportunities to lead and nurture.
   1. Gardening helps clients develop leadership skills and opportunities to nurture others. Taking ownership instills pride and enhances self-esteem by providing a tangible way to contribute and lead.
   2. One participant said, “I see lots of false pride around here.  They grab on to something to try to make themselves feel better.  The garden is real pride.  It’s not false.  For example, nobody knew how to grow tomatoes.  I got to see them learn and take on that leadership role in the garden.   One guy would show another guy and take him under his wing.  It’s amazing.”
4. Contributes to feelings of self-sufficiency and a peaceful and open mindset.
   1. Gardening teaches clients how to grow their own food, enhancing self-sufficiency. These skills support clients’ ability to sustain themselves physically and mentally and to provide for their families’ food needs.
5. Results in lasting behavior change: a return to gardening.
   1. Clients learned to make healthier dietary choices, such as eating more vegetables and fruits and avoiding sugary foods, which leads to improved physical health. The program encourages sustainable changes in eating habits that benefit long-term health.
6. Improves relationships with families and communities
   1. Gardening fosters interest in returning to one’s agrarian roots, which often leads to a renewed interest in gardening and farming after leaving the facility. These activities support a clean and positive lifestyle and keep clients focused on their recovery.
   2. One participant said, “This (programming) impacts our children and our families.  This is a ripple impact in the society.  It can change the world!  Whew, this garden got me emotional!”

At the end of the season, 369.2 pounds of produce were harvested, yielding 128.59 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables, according to USDA calculations. This is $884.77 value in fresh produce made available to ORR. Medical research indicates that proper nutrition, such as increasing intake of garden fruits and vegetables, can support physical healing of damage caused by substance use and stabilize emotional states, thereby decreasing the risk of recurrence. After harvest, participants had the opportunity to consume the produce.