Abbott House 2021 Annual Report - Other - Page 19
HEALING SPACES
Can you imagine a place that makes you feel safe, peaceful, and supported? You may find
this feeling during a morning walk in the park, or curled up in your favorite chair. However,
for many individuals in care at Abbott House who have faced trauma, an image does
not easily come to mind. Trauma is a pervasive, often silent phenomenon. It throws
barriers and roadblocks into the way of healthy human development. It takes a toll
on physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being.
This spring, the addition of hand painted wooden signs on Sheppard’s hooks will be added
to the space with words such as, “Grow,” “Live,” and “Thrive,” to support an environment that
fosters growth and promising futures.
Our team brings a therapeutic mindset to all our work, We know that physical
enviornments can reduce anxiety, minimize stress, and optimize healing.
Children can take a break from a game of tag under the shade of a pergola; adults in care
will help water perennials and pick flowers, and; families and staff will have a relaxing place
to have lunch, while being surrounded by the calming smell of lavender. It is our hope that
these individuals will consider this a place that brings them a sense of safety and peace and they will come back to it in their minds whenever they need to feel supported.
Spaces matter at Abbott House. They also matter to corporate partners like Regeneron
Pharmaceuticals, who provide healing and hope not only through the power of science,
but also through the power of volunteering. Each year on their “Day for Doing Good”
(D4DG), which is recognized as a Global Day of Service, Regeneron employees devote
time and energy to improve the communities in which they live and work.
“We are grateful to our friends at Regeneron for partnering with us to create this healing
space on our campus,” said James L. Kaufman, President, and CEO. “Healing environments
can have a significant impact on an individual’s ability to process trauma. This garden is
a beautiful gift that will promote the emotional health and well-being of so many children,
families, and adults in our care.”
This fall, Abbott House welcomed a team of close to 20 Regneron employees to
create a tranquil garden and outdoor living space on our Irvington campus. The
team, along with a dozen other Abbott House volunteers, beautified the front lawn of our
campus by assembling a freestanding
cedar pergola to replace an old gazebo
that was deemed beyond repair. They
also installed a perennial garden and
refurbished the banister of the main
building, which is used often by adults
with developmental disabilities who
attend our day habilitation program.
Thank you to Regeneron and all our volunteers for their dedication to those we care for.
At the height of the COVID-19
Pandemic, 42% of people in the
United States reported experiencing
symptoms of an anxiety or depressive
disorder, a four fold increase from prepandemic levels.
Abbott House’s holistic approach to
caregiving introduces healing spaces
and self-care activities like mindful
meditation, art therapy, and yoga to
ease stress and promote positive
mental health.
Statistics via U.S. Census Bureau, Household
14