Earth Angel Farm nurtures mind, body and spirit
By LINDA M. LINONIS
HOWLAND
Earth Angel Farm cultivates the mind, body and spirit of participants who have physical and developmental disabilities.
It’s not a physical place but a vision turned reality of Dr. Holly Maggiano, a neurologist who developed the organization.
EAF has a home at Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital, where it meets and participants nurture a patio garden. Those involved in EAF also tend Victory Garden on York Avenue, work in EAF greenhouses at Warren Greenhouse or their own gardens.
Maggiano, in practice in Warren for 21 years, said she realized that patients with physical and developmental issues often became socially isolated. “Everyone needs a sense of purpose and sense of who you are,” she said.
In October 2012, the “time was right” and her idea took shape. Earth Angel Farm “gives people something else to think about other than their problems and pain.”
EAF’s goal, Maggiano said, is “to make life easier for those we serve.” She continued that EAF is “partnering with other like-minded organizations to create social, vocational and residential opportunities for those living with physical and developmental disabilities.”
“Nature in itself is therapeutic,” Maggiano said. “There are therapeutic, emotional, cognitive and physical benefits achieved when we get down to basics and take control of our own health.
“There are physical benefits of tending a garden. ... You’re out in the sunshine, getting exercise.”
She continued that “EAF gives participants a chance to do something new and opens opportunities for new friendships.” Maggiano said, adding that gardening also promotes a healthy diet.
EAF meets monthly at Hillside, where Maggiano is a consultant. She explained that participants may share information about a physical or developmental disability but it’s not a requirement. It’s part support group and part informational sharing.
Geauga Trumbull Solid Waste Management awarded EAF an Earth Tub, an in-vessel composter that will be used for EAF’s compost-education campaign.
Other organizations are affiliated with EAF.
Jan’s Clan Epilepsy Support Group was named in memory of Janet Mau, registered nurse who was director of Mahoning Valley Epilepsy Fund.
Colleen Chennell, president, has epilespy. Holly Mulidore, vice president, doesn’t have a seizure disorder but has a disability. The officers are friends; Mulidore is Chennell’s driver. Chennell said epilepsy can isolate a person because of how it may affect a work situation and transportation. Chennell said EAF and Jan’s Clan gives her a “purpose and reason to get out.”
Mikeyfied Fund For Adult Autism was developed by parents of a nonverbal autistic son. The goal is to build a residential facility for autistic adults who are not mainstreamed.
EAF also has a writer’s table, and participants are working on comic strips geared to people with disabilities.
Jelani Lampley participates in EAF and volunteers with Trumbull Mobile Meals. Lampley, who also has a disability, said the two groups “get him out of the house and doing something positive.”
He likes to tend the plants in Hillside’s garden, where sunflowers, hostas, lemon-scented geraniums, bamboo, lilies, aloe, to name a few plants, are artfully arranged. Another space features suspended spider plants.
“It feels good to work in the garden. ... It’s refreshing,” Lampley said.