When Dan first came to CHD’s Iris House in New Hartford, CT, he shared his love of gardening with Adult Mental Health-Connecticut Navigator Mark Psomas (photo 2), and the idea of a fully functional greenhouse began to blossom.

“We supported the greenhouse with agency funding, but he made it his own,” said CHD Vice President of Connecticut Mental Health Services Amy Woods-Sawyers. “He bought a suit, hosted a grand opening, invited other programs, and welcomed everyone. Over two years, he helped tend to a variety of plants, mentored another person, and in the final year focused on sunflowers, which have special family meaning. We worked together as a team: direct care staff, managers, clinicians, maintenance, partners, and his family.”

When Dan died suddenly last May from a medical emergency on a family visit, “we slowed down, shared the news thoughtfully, brought in grief resources for clients and staff, and made room for people to process,” she said. “Several clients chose to attend a community remembrance with us and our partners to support his family.”

Dan’s mother Susan (photo 1), with whom he shared a close bond, spearheaded an extraordinarily generous gift: a gazebo, which reflects Dan’s love of the outdoors. During the gazebo’s recent grand opening, clients, family, and friends celebrated his memory. Juilliard-trained and Grammy award-winning musicians Krystyana and James Czeiner played a musical selection on violins prior to the ribbon-cutting. (View the video.)

“The greenhouse gave Dan a place to grow,” said Woods-Sawyers. “The gazebo gives all of us a place to gather and remember.”