The following is a beautiful, visual story happening in Englewood about how one Volunteers of America Chicago-area housing development turns to a simple, age-old activity (gardening) to improve the spirits and mental wellbeing of veterans - 30 to 40% of whom are reported to be suffering from mental health issues.
Hope Manor II creates garden plots for their veteran residents and families each year. This past fall harvest was a successful one with numerous vegetables and fruits collected by adults and children to serve at their tables or eat right from the gardens. Greenspace is rare in underserved communities, yet there are tremendous benefits when nature is brought into people's living spaces.