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 2020-2021, the Horticulture Agent led weekly lessons and plantings outside during the growing season, with many restrictions due to COVID. 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 full potential of the raised beds was not achieved in 2021 due to movement of soil into more aesthetically pleasing beds bought by the facility. However, crops were planted. When produce is harvested, residents record the weight. Over 27 pounds of produce has come out of 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.

All sessions were successful in their own right. The residents really enjoy harvesting vegetables or herbs and then seeing them show up in their meals. After harvesting too much basil that could be used fresh, the SNAPed assistant took that basil and showed them how to dry and crush it for use in the kitchen. 

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.