04/16/2020
The well-being of children and families – and of the world – is the heart of Ithaca Children’s Garden’s purpose. That was true yesterday, it is true today, and it will be true tomorrow.
Like many businesses and organizations, Ithaca Children’s Garden is adjusting to dramatic changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. ICG is facing significant financial losses with the indefinite closure of all ICG programs. Additionally, in light of a local mandate to flatten the curve of COVID-19, ICG made the difficult decision to close the Garden.
Despite these difficulties, ICG’s mission remains the same: to support families in our community and beyond. To find the most meaningful and relevant ways to do this, ICG shared a survey with audiences to hear about what challenges families are facing and what can be done in response. Families shared that their top concerns include juggling childcare and work, feeling disconnected from others, and difficulty keeping their kids engaged and well.
In response, ICG has launched ICG@HOME. Connecting with nature helps people, and especially children, manage stress, anxiety, depression, and loneliness – all effects of social isolation. Every week, ICG will share activities, resources, and perspectives at ICG@HOME to help your family stay connected with community and grounded in nature. The first community-wide ICG@HOME project is Community Grows in which ICG will be giving away over 300 houseplants generously donated to ICG by Hortus Forum, Cornell’s undergraduate horticulture club throughout April. Community Grows was kicked off by a distribution of 97 plants to the kids enrolled in the After School program at the Greater Ithaca Activities Center.
Check out ICG@HOME here or follow ICG on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
ICG@HOME is made possible through the support of ICG’s Garden Sponsors: CFCU Community Credit Union, Purity Ice Cream, Iron Design, and BorgWarner.
