Photo By GEORGE SHUBA
Auxiliary Bishop Roger W. Gries blesses the hands of Nathanial Philpot, 7, as he looks over flowers that will be part of the new Life Enriching Gardens for residents of Catholic Charities’ St. Augustine Health Campus in Cleveland. Joining in the groundbreaking were Laura DeRose, director of life enrichment at the campus, and Cody, a six-month-old collie.
Auxiliary Bishop Roger W. Gries blesses the hands of Nathanial Philpot, 7, as he looks over flowers that will be part of the new Life Enriching Gardens for residents of Catholic Charities’ St. Augustine Health Campus in Cleveland. Joining in the groundbreaking were Laura DeRose, director of life enrichment at the campus, and Cody, a six-month-old collie.
St. Augustine Health Campus
CLEVELAND-On a cold, blustery March day, a peek at spring was evident at Catholic Charities’ St. Augustine Health Campus.
Auxiliary Bishop Roger W. Gries joined St. Augustine residents and staff on March 25 in breaking ground for the Life Enriching Garden. The ceremony didn’t last long in the windy conditions as snowflakes flew. Still, the idea of planting flowers and other plants held out hope that sunny skies and mild temperatures were not too far ahead.
The $240,000 project will find part of the existing parking lot on campus being turned into a safe park-like setting with a walking path, shade trees, benches and seats, a water feature and areas for prayer and meditation.
Residents also will be able to garden on the site. Outdoor intergenerational activities and plants to attract birds and butterflies also will allow residents, visitors and children in the facility’s child care center to be involved.
The garden will provide an alternative to residents who often can be found sitting in the front of the building at 7801 Detroit Ave., amidst brick and concrete as traffic drives by, said health campus officials.
Patrick Gareau, president of St. Augustine Health Campus, said in a statement that the garden will foster independence and an environment that feels much like home. The idea for the garden revolves around the goal of treating the needs of the whole person, he said.
The garden is part of a project that will include the construction of a new entrance at the back of the St. Augustine complex. Construction is expected to start soon.
The campus is home to 350 people of various ages dealing with stroke, traumatic brain injury and HIV/AIDS as well as those in need of assisted living or nursing home care.
A fundraising campaign that includes staff contributions and events spearheaded by the late Tom Kemer, a long-time volunteer, and a volunteer committee has raised more than $193,000 toward the project. A grant from the Eva and Joseph Bruening Foundation provided additional funds.
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