Path One is created for those clients with developmental and physical abilities that offer them the greatest opportunity to increase both social and occupational skills as a pathway to long-term economic and social self-sufficiency. The program would recruit up to 20 adults from the following sources: (1) other Connecticut rehabilitation programs and services that seek new opportunities and experiences for their clients; (2) outreach efforts conducted by G.R.O.W.E.R.S., Inc. @ Greenbrier to those individuals around the state that might benefit from this experience; and, (3) referrals from State of Connecticut agencies such as the Bureau of Rehabilitative Services.
The 20 adults recruited to participate in the program would have developmental and physical disabilities and have the capacity to retain and utilize learned skills, as well as work independently. These students would participate in a six to eighteen month curriculum that includes a working internship. Students would be paid according to federal standards for the compensation of those with developmental and physical disabilities. Below is a draft of the Path One curriculum.
PATH ONE
Learning Objectives:
• To learn methods in propagating, planting and pruning
• To maintain a greenhouse and community garden
• To know commonly used tools when gardening
• To understand equipment needs
• To learn the fundamental requirements of the horticulture business
• To successfully complete internship in the horticulture business
• To complete a resume and job search effort in Horticulture
Introduction to the method & process of propagating plants:
• Vital components to growing
• Taking cutting from a host/mother plant
• Proper soil mix, amount of water and sun exposure
• Explore the proper growing environment
Practical exercise:
Method of “planting a plant:”
• Explore resources and how to identify a plant
• Label and date plant
• What to use for a pot or planter
• Materials to use for drainage
Practical exercise
The benefits of pruning:
• What is pruning?
• What is the desired outcome from pruning
• Why would a plant need to be pruned
• Explore root pruning
• Care needed after a plant is pruned
Practical exercise:
Maintaining a greenhouse and community garden:
• Gardening under glass or out doors
• Types of plants that can be grown in either environment
• Explore the life cycle of plants: annuals, perennials and biennials
• Good insects vs. dangerous insects that can damage plants
• The causes of insect damage
Practical exercise:
Managing inventory and sales of plants materials:
• How to determine what plant material to sell based on the seasons
• Determine the seasons and the theme of plants to be sold by season
• Identify and explore the diversity of plants to have in stock
• Explore the system of rotating stock to maintain a fresh inventory
• Learn about pricing – wholesale and the profit margins
Developing a marketing strategy the meets the needs of the community:
• Learn how to ask and engage people to talk about their gardening experience
• Identify the community needs
• Survey existing customers that visit the greenhouse
• How to advertise for the best outcomes
Internship:
• Supervised internship in the Greenhouse for a given period
Job Development:
• Work on resume
• Go to at least three job interviews
