March 2017 Newsletter
Bloom Healing Gardens of NWA’s latest news!
Meet our new Executive Director…
About Me…
“I am so excited to be joining the team of Healing Gardens of NWA, and feel honored to help carry the vision forward as we launch into our comprehensive campaign in 2017. This is going to be a big year for Healing Gardens, and our board and volunteers have done a tremendous job of setting the vision and getting an all-star group of contractors, architects, designers, and artists together. Now it’s time to raise the necessary funds to get this beautiful healing space completed!”
As a Rogers native, I have been blessed to be a part of the tremendous growth of our community. I graduated from Rogers High School, and went onto to receive degrees from NWACC and the University of Arkansas. I started my career in the nonprofit sector over a decade ago and have had the honor of serving in executive roles for organizations like the Teen Action and Support Center, United Way of NWA, Havenwood, Cobblestone Project, Trike Theatre, and most recently Executive Director of Souls Harbor of NWA. My heart has always been in helping individuals and families improve their lives through programs and places and that offer resources, healing, and improve quality of life. When I had the opportunity to join Healing Gardens of NWA, I was elated. Having lost many family members and friends to the disease of cancer, I can understand the need for a healing, safe, and therapeutic place for our community at large to celebrate life’s greatest joys, and offer support in life’s greatest challenges. Beyond my work in the community, I have been blessed to be mom to seven children – four of whom I was able to adopt as teenagers out of foster care and my oldest three have since grown up and are thriving. In my spare time, I love to write, do photography, garden and I love the theatre! I am a silly soul who loves to work hard and have adventures!
We are going to have a great year, and I look forward to working with each of you!
We have been so fortunate to partner with Bentonville Public Schools’ Ignite Program which have provided us two amazing student interns! Welcome Natasha & Vincent!
MORE INFO ON NEXT PAGE
Thanks to the awesome students of the University of Arkansas who selected us for their Google Adwords Nonprofit for the semester! We will be working with them over the coming months on our website, SEO, and marketing as part of their Google competition. Very thankful for amazing young people with hearts for service!
Click here for tickets!
Are you looking to plug into Healing Gardens of NWA this year? We need you! Here are our greatest volunteer needs:
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Seeds of Hope Committee Life’s Greatest Adventure Race Committee Comprehensive Campaign Steering Committee Day of event volunteers for events
Many thanks to our 2017 Seeds of Hope Committee Members: Debbie & Alan Main, Nancy Trammel, Rev. Pamela Cicioni, Dustan Rea, Nicole Larocco, Meritt Hutchison, Carolyn Baltz, Karilea Magee, Casey Sullivan, Alice Zelahy, Tracy O’Malley, Amanda Willoughby, Barb Padgett, Narda Roman, Rhonda Ellis, Shelley Turner! And we need you !
Email – Rachel@healinggardensofnwa.org
WATCHING OUR GARDEN GROW
2012 A vision was planted by our co-founders, Meritt Hutchison and Rev. Pamela Cicioni to build an oasis for healing and restoration. Highlands Oncology physicians became passionate about project and offered land for space.
2013 A 501c3 was established for Healing Gardens of Northwest Arkansas and the first Board of Directors was formed.
2014-2015 The first fundraising event was held, and renderings had been created. A garden layout was created and website, logo, and marketing plan was formed. Funds were raised to begin land surveying and architecture.
2017 With a great board, a state of the art group of project leaders, and a new Executive Director we are about to launch into our comprehensive campaign to build Healing Gardens of NWA. This is our year to raise the funds to break ground!
2016 Our first Director was hired, and we hosted the first annual Seeds of Hope Garden Party. Architect, landscape architect, and contractor began planning and completed all site plans.
Countdown to Campaign‌ This spring we will be launching our comprehensive campaign to break ground on Healing Gardens of NWA. Stay tuned for more information on our key pillars, and please spend time in reflection on how you and your family can participate in a meaningful way. We appreciate all of your support in launching our organization off the ground and now into cultivation phase! It is time to grow our garden!
Health/ Wellness
Education
Mind, body, spirit
Nature learning in a healing space
Arts Art meets healing all throughout our gardens
Community For all members of community to receive restoration and healing
Many thanks to our incredible 2017 Board of Directors: Meritt Hutchison, Board President & Co-Founder Carolyn Baltz, Vice President Rev. Pamela Cicioni, Co-Founder Joyce Mendenhall Dr. Arnold Smith
PO Box 1289 Rogers, Arkansas 72757 rachel@healinggardensofnwa.org healinggardensofnwa.org