In fall, the team leader for Therapeutic Rehabilitation Programs at New Vista reached out to the Madison County Horticulture and Family and Consumer Science Agents.

New Vista offers a day treatment for adults with severe mental illnesses. Their program aims to assist clients in developing and improving life skills, self monitoring symptoms and side effects, emotional regulation, coping skills, interpersonal skills and independent living skills. Part of their mission is to treat people with dignity and respect and also to believe people are capable of making progress and change.

The Horticulture Agent, the Agriculture/Horticulture Assistant and Family and Consumer Science Agent began meeting in February with the clients to teach life skills. They worked with seven clients involved in the program. At that first meeting they discussed composting, looked at the facilities garden and made a snack which helped clients with kitchen skills. The Agents asked the clients what other topics they would like to learn about. Those topics included flower arranging, sewing, cooking classes, working in the garden and budgeting.

The Agents met with the group monthly: 

• March: houseplants and baking
• April: how to read a seed packet and knife skills
• May: gardening and smoothies
• June: gardening and fair entries

So far, the clients have been happy with the program and feed back has been positive. Evaluations will be done as the program continues. The agents will evaluate both the clients but also the workers at New Vista to see what improvements have been seen in the clients themselves.