The Jewish Home Family has launched a program called “Plant for Life” that empowers residents as caregivers for plants and vegetable gardens.

Together with volunteers from Yachad and ARC of Rockland County, residents at the Jewish Home at Rockleigh potted the plants and placed them on the windowsills of residents who choose to spend the majority of their time in their rooms. Volunteers were paired with residents to care for the plants together.

During the warmer months, tomatoes, peppers and herbs are planted in the Jewish Home’s courtyards, with the goal of growing and donating them to a local food pantry.

“What is so special about this program,” said Jewish Home at Rockleigh Executive Vice President Sunni Herman. “Is that by giving our residents responsibility for the health and future of these plants, it has empowered them to be caregivers, building their confidence in their own power to heal, thrive and grow.”

Participants in the Gallen Adult Day Health Care Center have also been taking part in the program, and a resident at Jewish Home Assisted Living in River Vale has taken it upon himself to care for the gardens surrounding the facility, which also hosts a horticulture club.

Volunteers who want to help with this or any of the Jewish Home’s innovative programs should contact Jewish Home Family Director of Volunteer Services Stacey Orden at [email protected].