This week we have a guest blog from a local organization. Check it out!
Plants for Patients is a program that blends ceramic art, community involvement and social engagement while promoting humanitarianism. It is a complex collaboration that utilizes varied skill-sets of members of our community to create a network of compassion and respect for the 1 in 3 women in our communities who have made the difficult decision to have an abortion, regardless of the cultural noise surrounding the issue.
The program’s success comes from maneuvering subtly in the space between pro-life and pro-choice – a space we call Pro-Compassion and Pro-Empathy. It is our hope that everyone can connect with the program's goal of providing kindness to women facing difficult life choices.
How it works:
Each woman who comes to a designated clinic is offered a hand-made ceramic planter, a beautiful succulent plant and a hand-written note of support from a member of the community. They are then directed to our website where they can read additional messages of support from community members and leave their own stories or experiences in exchange. The website creates a direct, virtual bridge between patients and advocates.
Why give plants and planters?
Plants not only help women restore their sense of control and nurturing, but have been proven to have a qualitative impact on the healing process. Patients who are able to look and interact with nature heal faster, have less anxiety and require less pain medication. Plants are a symbol that life goes on.
To date, 75% of patients have opted to participate in the program and take a planter home. More than 200 women have gained a support system they may not have had otherwise.
You can help. This program functions solely off the contributions from members of our community. Whether you are a potter who can make planters or donate materials, a community organizer who can help put together events, a volunteer helping put together gift bags for the patients or a supporter who can donate to help cover the costs of materials, your contribution helps us promote healing and understanding in our ND community. We are currently seeking donations to continue our campaign for compassion!
Please email us to let us know how you would like to be a part of Plants for Patients: Fargo, visit our website to join our email list to donate via Paypal or check out our Facebook page for more information and updates. We look forward to hearing from you!
With Sincere Thanks,
Meg Roberts
P4P Founder, Executive Director
www.plantsforpatients.com
plantsforpatients@hotmail.com
twitter.com/plants4patients
facebook.com/plantsforpatients
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PO Box 385
Fargo, ND 58107Labels: Mental Wellness
