Hope Gardens

Yellow tulips are a sign of hope. When communities come together, plant a garden, get their hands dirty, and talk about mental illness, hope blooms. The core missions of The Yellow Tulip Project is to smash stigma associated with mental illness and to build community to remind people that there is help and hope for those living with mental illness. This non-profit is bursting with energy from people of all ages. Learn more here: theyellowtulipproject.org/

The Emerson Hospital Mental Health Working Group is joining in this hope. Representatives from our affiliate were joined by members of the Working Group, Emerson Hospital Community Benefits and Behavioral Health staff, volunteers from the Acton-Boxborough United Way, and clients from the behavioral health inpatient unit. All got a little, or a lot, dirty as we turned and amended the soil and placed the tulip bulbs. During the process, participants offered up words of hope about mental health.

Next spring this sign of hope will pop up and visually demonstrate to our community our commitment to smashing stigma and improving the lives of all touched by mental health challenges. During bloom time, Emerson will arrange for another hopeful gathering at the garden. We encourage our readers to bring the concept to their community and offer support from NAMI Central Middlesex. Pictured above: Ana Morrison (ABUW), Saro Hinds (MSW), Maria LaCreta (Emerson), Kelsey Magnuson (Emerson), Lori Krinsky (NAMI), Jillian Doane (Emerson) and Jennie Payne (NAMI).