The Downtown Clinic Garden: Cultivating Community Health and Wellness

The Downtown Clinic in Laramie, Wyoming hosts a flourishing community center that combines holistic healthcare with gardening efforts. A small patch of raised beds has transformed into an active community oasis through the hard work of AmeriCorps volunteer Naomi Boldon and consistent support from local residents.

 

"It's so amazing to see the garden grow," reflected Boldon. "The community has really come together to make this happen."

 

The garden started to develop during the time Naomi Boldon worked at the clinic. Understanding how nutrition and gardening contribute to preventive care they worked to change the clinic's empty backyard into a space for healing and empowerment. The garden received grants and community donations which allowed it to grow by installing additional raised beds and trellises as well as planting a thriving cherry tree.

 

“We believe in letting food be our medicine,” said Boldon. “The garden is a way to empower our patients and the community to take charge of their health.”

 

The influence of the garden reaches well past its defined physical limits. The garden supplies free fresh produce to patients who live under the poverty line which creates a crucial resource for accessing nutritious foods to manage their chronic conditions. Working in the garden has helped patients find therapeutic benefits and improved mental health while strengthening their sense of community.

 

The clinic's embrace of this unique approach to healthcare has not gone unnoticed. Volunteers, staff members and community members all come together at the garden to create an environment rich in teamwork and shared goals. . From summer barbecues to educational workshops, the garden has become a site for building connections and empowering individuals to take charge of their own health.

 

As the garden continues to grow and evolve, its impact on the Laramie community is undeniable. By integrating nutrition, mental health and community engagement into its holistic model of care, the Downtown Clinic is setting a powerful example of how healthcare can be transformed to better serve the needs of the most vulnerable. The garden has blossomed into a powerful example of community-driven solutions, showcasing the transformative potential of a little bit of dirt and a lot of heart.

 

The serviceship award is funded by the Stewart Family in honor of their late parents, Clyde and Jerrine Stewart, of Sheridan, who served as daily examples of “people immersed in family, community and work.” The couple helped to address community needs and real-world challenges. The award continues their legacy by supporting students working on their own applied community service projects that address needs and challenges on a local, state, national or global level.