The gentlemen of CHD’s Iris House in New Hartford, CT marked the opening of their greenhouse project on May 30 with a special 1930s-themed garden party, complete with vintage garden party attire.

Iris House is AMH-Connecticut’s newest residential rehabilitation home for men. The greenhouse was dreamed up by one of its residents, Daniel, before he even stepped foot into the program, when he shared his love of horticulture with AMH-Connecticut Navigator Mark Psomas. Then the idea of a fully functional greenhouse began to blossom.

Iris House quickly prepared for his residency by ensuring this vision would be able to come full circle once he arrived, and Daniel began growing everything for the greenhouse from seeds in his room until they could be transplanted safely outside. “I am filled with pride to see an individual find a passion and create something successful for himself and others to enjoy,” said Iris House Program Manager Sarah Pelligrinelli. “It is a true testament to the work that is happening here and the growth that happens from thoughtful conversations and attuned follow-through by staff. The event truly encapsulated a full circle of growth for Daniel and the benefits of matching appropriate, valued activities with clients in order for them to succeed.” 

Daniel had been gifted with seeds from Victor, a resident at CHD’s Compass House in New Milford, CT, “so it only made sense to mark the occasion with residents from all the group homes,” said Pelligrinelli. “It also provided an opportunity for them to also see in themselves a similar purpose they have found through their navigator sessions with Mark or other staff at CHD. But for Daniel it is an obvious light in his story that he found purpose in plants right from his first conversation with Mark, which continues to develop and nurture today. It was a great pleasure to have so many people out to Iris House to celebrate and enjoy the event.”