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 for the 2019 season producing about 53 pounds of fresh produce, not including fresh herbs. Three new raised beds have been constructed for the 2020 season. The Horticulture Agent led weekly lessons and plantings outside. Lake Cumberland Master Gardeners assisted. Four straw bales were also planted.

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. 

The 2019 season is almost over as there are still winter cole crops that will be harvested. As produce is harvested, they record the weight.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.

All sessions were successful in their own right. However, the residents enjoyed the hands-on sessions including how to use stevia (they sweetened lemonade), peeling and cleaning luffa gourds, and inoculating logs with shiitake mushroom spawn. They are also now part of the CoCoRaHS citizen weather reporting site.

The Pulaski County SNAP-Ed assistant and Horticulture Agent spoke with the kitchen staff to see what could be incorporated into meals. They are not only learning about growing food but also nutrition through SNAP-Ed programs that are presented bi-weekly and/or monthly.