Gardengate Horticulture Program | Open Door Group

ABOUT GARDENGATE

Open Door Group is a non-profit organization built on the fundamental belief that everyone has the ability to succeed. We have been serving communities across British Columbia since 1976 and today, we continue to provide tailored employment services to individuals and business in order to build strong workforce ecosystems and thriving communities.

Gardengate is facilitated by Open Door Group and is an innovative organic horticulture project that aims to promote healthy eating and active living for persons with mental health issues. Programming is carried out on 2.8 acres of land leased by ODG from Interior Health Authority and has been operating under the current contract with Interior Health since 2005. Today, the same focuses continue as we serve clients living with mental health diagnoses and help develop sustainable food security for our community.

HOW WE SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY

Participants access programming by either self or supported referral and actively set goals. Goal setting has a strong focus on life skills, healthy living, pre-employment, vocational skill development, and symptom management. Through these defined goal streams, Gardengate staff work with the individual towards goal attainment with the overall vision of increased self-esteem, self-sufficiency and overall wellness.

PROGRAM PERFORMANCE

In the 2018-19 fiscal year, 5700 volunteer hours were accessed via Gardengate programming resulting in 22,000 pounds of produce being harvested of which 85% was donated into the community of Kamloops via organizations such as the Kamloops Food Bank, Salvation Army and New Life Mission.

THE PROBLEM WE FACE

Indoor facility space is the one challenge that has remained consistent over time and one which directly impacts Gardengate programming. Currently, Gardengate operates out of an indoor facility that is less than 700 square feet and half of the space is not heated. During colder months, this unheated space is not a viable working space. This leaves less than 350 square feet that accommodates a bathroom and a multi-purpose space, which serves over five different functions to staff and program participants. Lack of space has had a significant impact on the program in terms of numbers of people we are able to serve and the ability to expand programming.

HELP US GROW

We recently completed a feasibility study and had blueprints developed with the goal of building a new building with a commercial kitchen at Gardengate. This will allow us to grow our programs and have an ever bigger impact in the community of Kamloops. As a not-for-profit organization, we need your support to raise money for our expansion.

Monetary donations, non-cash contributions & in-kind gifts are accepted for all sponsorship tiers.

CONTACT US

Robert Wright, Gardengate Program Manager

Phone: 250.554.9453

Email: Robert.Wright@opendoorgroup.org