What's Growing on at Safe Harbor?
Adapted from excerpt submitted by Katie Sell, Safe Harbor Recovery Home Manager. Photos by Katie Sell.
In just a few weeks, this raised bed at Safe Harbor Recovery Home will be overflowing with a variety of garden greenery and goodness!
Early sprouts which will be placed into the raised gardens soon!
At Safe Harbor Recovery Home for Women and their children, residents are not just finding a safe place to live—they are discovering a vibrant community filled with opportunities for personal growth and healthy living. Nestled in the serene landscape of Downeast Maine, Safe Harbor provides a supportive environment for women seeking recovery from substance use disorder to live, grow, and heal, together with their children, and the transformative power of nature is playing a key role in their journey.
One of the standout activities at Safe Harbor is the creation and care of raised bed gardens. This initiative has blossomed into a group effort where residents, some with naturally green thumbs, share their gardening knowledge and experiences.
This bed is off to a beautiful start!
This spring, Safe Harbor residents enthusiastically started seeds indoors, transplanted seedlings and starts, and are now learning the essentials of tending and harvesting their vegetable and flower gardens. Together, they have transplanted perennials from around the property grounds and planted fresh vegetables from seed. Some of the seeds for this year’s garden have been generously donated by local community members and others purchased by the residents themselves.
The raised gardens promise a bounty of fresh produce, paving the way for healthy eating. Beyond the physical health benefits, the gardening project fosters a sense of community and creates lasting memories among the residents. Working side by side in the garden, they not only cultivate plants but also resilience and camaraderie.
A Collaborative Effort
Metal flowers add color until the plants grow their own in this unique and whimsical perennial garden.
Safe Harbor is a place for women to live and grow with their children in a safe, supportive, affordable living environment while seeking recovery from substance use disorder. Safe Harbor is more than just a place to stay; it is a community-driven program resulting from a collaborative effort between several organizations, including Healthy Acadia, Downeast Community Partners, Aroostook Mental Health Center, and the Community Caring Collaborative. These partnerships are essential in providing residents with access to recovery resources and support, as well as additional opportunities to build resilience and social connections.
Building Skills for a Healthy Future
Everyone is looking forward to seeing these summer beauties in bloom!
The gardening initiative at Safe Harbor is complemented by educational programs that teach residents how to shop, plan, and prepare healthy meals on a budget. These programs, conducted by Healthy Acadia’s Food Programs team and Maine SNAP-Ed, empower residents with the knowledge and skills to maintain a healthy diet, even after they leave the recovery home.
The success of the gardening project and the collaborative efforts behind Safe Harbor highlight the importance of community and nature in the recovery process. By fostering a nurturing environment where women can grow both literally and figuratively, Safe Harbor is not just aiding recovery but also sowing the seeds for a healthier, more connected future.
Established in 2020, Safe Harbor supports multiple pathways to recovery, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT), while emphasizing a holistic approach to healing and growth. Learn more about Safe Harbor here.