“Over the past year, Women of Michigan Action Network (WOMAN) volunteers have been busy with funding, planting, and maintaining a new perennial garden at Shelterhouse.
Alison Baldree, director of fund development at Shelterhouse, has praise for the new garden: “When survivors come in for counseling sessions, bring their children in for therapy, or to meet with a Shelterhouse advocate to get the support they need, they are welcomed by a beautiful new entrance that is full of color and life.”
The Shelterhouse facility offers safety, shelter, advocacy, and counseling for survivors of domestic and sexual assault.
As a local progressive action group of over 1,500 members, WOMAN is committed to forward progress in human and civil rights. When asked about the project, WOMAN leader Allison Wilcox said, “WOMAN got involved with the Shelterhouse gardening project because we want to improve the lives of women. One way to work for change is through political action, but another is through direct action. A garden makes the surroundings beautiful for women who have experienced domestic violence.”
Starting in 2017, WOMAN volunteers have worked to beautify the gardens at the former Shelterhouse facility on M-20 and have continued their commitment at the new facility on Waldo Road.
“When the new facility on Waldo Road opened in 2020, there were two large empty planting beds at the entrance that really begged for attention,” said Kathleen Curell, a member of WOMAN who heads up the garden group, along with member Cassie Foley….”
View the whole story here: https://www.ourmidland.com/news/amp/WOMAN-volunteers-bringing-garden-to-Shelterhouse-16563046.php