Two of our program sites are enjoying more time in our gardens, which has been nice due to the warm up in our weather!
Our North County Academy (NCA) Program garden in Carlsbad was planted to provide a calming space for children to explore nature, learn coping skills and practice mindfulness. Our therapists use this wonderful space to engage students in their mindfulness practice by listening to the birds, feeling the soil in their hands, labeling the colors, and increasing focus and attention to the present moment. Students also practice various coping skills for self-regulation in the garden, such as deep breathing, talking with staff, and exploring their creativity by drawing with sidewalk chalk.
A fifth grader receiving services through our school-based program said, “It’s a peaceful place. It’s peaceful and quiet and just awesome!”
At our main site in Linda Vista, teens receiving services through our Clark Adolescent Program, spent a fun afternoon with employees from LPL Financial who generously volunteered their time to help beautify our garden and patio. Along with teens in our program, everyone helped pull weeds, plant flowers and lay mulch.
It was a fun afternoon and we are thankful for LPL Financial’s support, as well as the Home Depot Store in Oceanside who has generously donated over the years to our NCA garden!
