Eden Share launched agricultural programming for fellow nonprofit and human service providers in 2025 at the expanded Wellness Garden on the grounds of the Family Partnership Center. The Wellness Garden is managed and maintained by Eden Share to ensure it is an active and productive garden that engages participants. Space is limited to 10 providers per season, which runs from mid-April through October 31.
Program and Curriculum:
The Eden Share Garden serves as the main program space. This space is a separate garden space where nonprofits may bring their participants on a scheduled weekly basis to learn, experience, and participate in raising crops and produce during an entire growing season (28 weeks). There is in-person instruction and supervision that incorporates hands-on and didactic learning.
We use learning modules to explore all the basic elements necessary for maintaining and growing a garden/farm through the season. We also offer guidance and suggestions for integrating these experiences into participants’ personal recovery and wellness journeys. The curriculum, which is evolving and expanding, includes 20+ topics covering the “why and how” associated with ongoing and seasonal tasks. In addition to giving participants printed copies of summary handouts, the curriculum is available here. We are developing a second curriculum geared toward children, youth, and populations with learning challenges. Curriculums may vary depending on availability, requirements, populations, and garden needs.
Scheduling and Logistics:
Eden Share will work with organizations to ensure that they can schedule regular times at the garden that allow for exclusive experience and attention for their participants (1.5 hours/week). We will attempt to have one group or organization on site at any time to minimize distraction and potential conflict.
Organizations’ clients/members must be accompanied by the appropriate number of attending staff for their needs, and at a minimum, 1 employee of the organization to ensure their care, supervision, and safety.
Annual Membership Fee:
There is an annual fee (to cover operational and program expenses) for a 28-week growing season (April 1 to October 31) for up to 15 weekly participants (1-3 staff) weekly. This includes personalized onsite experience, instruction, education, and hands-on gardening at the site. A payment of 50% is due by March 1 each year and the remaining 50% is due by July 1 to ensure adequate funding for the season.
Regular and weekly scheduled access to the site for participants for 1.5-hour private sessions with experienced instructor who will lead the educational and physical gardening tasks. This includes instruction on educational modules and printed hand-outs for participants.
Regular, weekly 15-minute calls with partner organizations to plan activities, discuss progress, problems, and needs are included in services above. Additional services or support can be explored on a case by case basis and negotiated accordingly.
Invitation to at least 2 larger events with invited guest speakers on organic and sustainable farming/gardening topics - to be held in the Eden Share Garden or Family Services auditorium when available.
Impact and Outcomes:
Participants will learn about agriculture - where and how our produce is grown to build skills and confidence. A curriculum with 2-page handouts will be included in each onsite instructional session. Participants that complete at least 20 sessions can receive acknowledgement and a certificate of completion at the end of the season.
Participants will experience the mental and physical health benefits associated with mindful gardening. These experiences will help participants integrate into the community through relationship building with the garden and each other.
Most of the food produced is donated to Dutchess Outreach Lunchbox and Pantry to feed City of Poughkeepsie residents in need.
The Wellness Garden at the Family Partnership Center (FPC)
29 North Hamilton Street, Poughkeepsie, NY