Orchard Village Receives $50,000 Grant to Make Community Garden Accessible for People with Disabilities

Orchard Village Receives $50,000 Grant to Make Community Garden Accessible for People with Disabilities

Skokie, IL — Orchard Village, a nonprofit organization that supports 330 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to live and work more independently, has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the Chicago Region Food System Fund (CRFSF). The funding will be used to make Orchard Village’s garden fully accessible to participants who use wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility aids.

As Orchard Village’s participants grow older, many are experiencing increased mobility challenges — yet the organization’s existing garden has not been designed to accommodate them. This grant will change that.

“So many of our residents find real joy and purpose in our garden, but as their mobility needs have changed, some have been left out,” said Susan Kaufman, President and CEO of Orchard Village. “This grant means everyone will be able to participate — to dig in the soil, grow food, and share in that experience together. We are deeply grateful to the Chicago Region Food System Fund for making this possible.”

The project will create an accessible garden area featuring raised planting beds at wheelchair-friendly heights; stable pathways wide enough for wheelchairs; shaded rest areas; adaptive gardening tools; and sensory plants chosen for their scent and texture.

Orchard Village’s garden already produces approximately 3,500 pounds of fresh produce each year, which is shared among its 12 residences, packed into community supported agriculture (CSA) boxes and sold at the Skokie Farmers’ Market, and donated to local food pantries. The improvements are expected to increase that yield by 10% and allow more than 66 residents with mobility challenges to participate in therapeutic gardening programs.

To help support the garden or to purchase a CSA box, visit www.orchardvillage.org or call Joe Like at (847) 583-7734.

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Founded in 1972, Orchard Village is a charitable social services organization located in Skokie, Illinois. The agency empowers children and adults with developmental disabilities to achieve fulfilling lives in their communities. It partners with families and communities to ensure that people with developmental disabilities have choices and a voice in their lives, and, that they receive support to reach their goals. Orchard Village services and programs support the housing, day program, employment, behavioral and mental health, and home-based needs of nearly 330 participants, who range in age from children to mature adults. For more information about Orchard Village and its services, visit www.orchardvillage.org.