On Wednesday, about 70 community members and supporters gathered on FIRM’s grounds to officially celebrate the community garden on FIRM’s property and the role it plays in promoting health and wellness in the community. Part of the Horticultural Therapuetic Community Centers program funded through the Mental Health Services Act, the goals of the garden are to help prevent serious mental illness by reducing depression, isolation and anxiety, particularly among the elderly. The gardens also provide a non-threatening pathway to education about mental health issues and further treatment, as necessary.
Invited guests from the Fresno County Department of Behavioral Health, City Councilman Clint Olivier’s office and the Fresno County Mental Health Advisory Board, among others, were on hand to provide congratulations and encouragement to FIRM and the gardeners.