Easterseals PORT Health’s (ESPH) Residential Group Home in Zebulon, NC is literally blooming with life, thanks to a wonderful initiative known as the Rooted Together Project. This impactful project unites group home residents, team members and volunteers in creating a beautiful garden while celebrating the joy of working side by side.
Rooted Together gardening
Launched in 2024, the Rooted Together Project emerged from a partnership between the Zebulon Group Home, North Carolina A&T State University and local businesses. This collaboration has transformed part of the home’s outdoor area into a vibrant garden. The success of the Rooted Together Project can be attributed to the support of the community, as well as donations from Scotts Miracle-Gro and Bonnie Plants.
Bonnie Plants generously donated an array of vegetables, including tomato plants, rosemary, cucumbers, squash and a variety of peppers. Mollie McMillan from Bonnie Plants, shares, “I’m happy that so many of our partners could come together for such a great cause. I know the residents will enjoy the garden and their future harvests.”
Dr. Crystal Cook and Morgan Malone from North Carolina A&T State University have also shared their time and expertise to the Rooted Together Project. They taught residents how to plant, weed and harvest what they grow. Dr. Cook and her team are committed to providing ongoing recommendations for garden care to ensure the newly cultivated green space will continue to flourish
In addition to teaching invaluable gardening skills, the garden is also nurturing healthy eating habits. As a result, residents have relished digging in, getting their hands dirty and snacking on the fresh produce they grow. Liana, an ESPH Registered Dietitian, recently visited the residents and was excited that she could join the community by sharing recipes for meals that can made with vegetables from the garden.
The Rooted Together Project has proven it’s more than gardening. It’s about people “rooting together” to form relationships and community. As the garden grows and residents enjoy the harvest, the team will continue sharing their journey and highlighting how they are nurturing both plants and a strong sense of community.
Learn more about our group homes at eastersealsPORT.com/homes.
ABOUT US
Easterseals PORT Health is a trustworthy, compassionate partner providing exceptional disability, mental health and substance use services to help our neighbors live their best lives. Purpose, dedication and empathy drive our in-person and telehealth service delivery. Our diverse and inclusive 2,800 member team provides more than 10.2 million hours of meaningful support to 40,200 kids, adults and families in 11,000 home, facility and community locations across North Carolina and Virginia. Learn more at eastersealsPORT.com.
