New Garden for the Rio Grande State Center
Spring will really be in bloom this year at the Rio Grande State Center in Harlingen. Work was recently completed on a 400-square foot above-ground garden that will allow residents to grow fruits, vegetables, and herbs in a previously vacant area on the State Center Grounds.
“The state of Texas wants our residents to develop social and job-related skills,” said Juan Miguel Gonzalez, Program Improvement Manager for ICF at the Center’s State Supported Living Center “Having a garden will help our residents learn to work cooperatively and responsibly, and they will be able to see the fruits of their labor as well.” The Intermediate Care Facility is certified for 73 residents, many of whom are preparing to live in outside facilities.
Sarah Hermann, President of the Rio Grande State Center’s Citizens Volunteer Council (CVC), said, “We are grateful to McCoy Lumber, who supplied the materials, Jeff Mills, who built the garden’s frame, and Sam Trevino, who supplied the soil.” Mills is a local independent contractor, and Trevino is the owner of Samson Enterprises, a contractor of surface materials.
“Our Citizens Volunteer Council works to raise funds for projects like this to help improve the quality of life for residents at the Rio Grande State Center,” Hermann added. This is the first of several projects we are undertaking to make life a little better for those who need support. I wish to thank my fellow members of the CVC for their efforts and support.”
Hermann noted that projects like the Garden Project cost money. “Even though labor and materials were donated for the bulk of this project, there were still expenses, and will have expenses in the future.” She said that if anyone wishes to donate time, money, or services to the CVC, a 501(3)(c) non-profit, they could get further information by calling the center at 956-364-8255.
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