Gardengate Horticulture Program
Personal and community wellness go hand in hand. That’s why our Gardengate Horticulture Program was designed with both in mind.
Gardengate Opens Door to:
Enhance personal and community wellness
Gardengate is a pioneering horticulture initiative situated on a scenic 2.8 acre farm in Kamloops. Our mission is to promote wellness, skills development, and food security for individuals with a mental health condition.
Provide a safe space for healing and recovery
We foster a safe & inclusive environment for participants to develop their physical and mental health while building valuable skills. Through horticultural activities, individuals can gain self-confidence, enhance employment prospects, and find a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
Grow and harvest food to give back to the community
Our program enhances social connections and a sense of community for participants. We promote sustainable food practices and provide guidance on growing organic produce, empowering participants to cultivate and harvest their own food and contribute to Kamloops' food security.
Who Services are for
Participants
Gardengate is a space of healing and recovery for individuals living with addictions or mental health conditions. Through activities in the garden, we’ll support you to work towards personal goals such as healthy eating, active living, or vocational training. Build skills and confidence as you grow and harvest food for yourself, and for the Kamloops community.Join our program if you:
- Have an addiction, or a mental health condition, and
- Are interested in gardening activities
Volunteers
Join the Gardengate Horticulture Program as a volunteer and help promote wellness, sustainability, and community engagement! Gardengate empowers individuals with mental health diagnoses to cultivate their physical and mental well-being while also promoting sustainable food practices and contributing to Kamloops' food security. As a volunteer, you'll work alongside our participants in a safe and inclusive environment, building meaningful relationships and gaining valuable horticulture skills. Join us today in making a positive impact in our community!Volunteer for our program if you:
- Are interested in volunteering
- Are interested in gardening
- Are interested in supporting other program activities
View our Gardengate Volunteer Agreement
Ready to Get Started?
Interested in joining our Gardengate program? Contact us to schedule a 20-minute tour to view our garden in-person by appointment. You can reach us via phone or email, or ask someone to arrange a tour on your behalf. If you're interested in joining our program after the tour, we'll provide you with the necessary paperwork to complete on your own or with the help of someone else. Once you've completed the paperwork, give us a call to schedule your first 3-hour shift. We'll work with you to find a day and time that's convenient for you. Shifts start at either 9 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. Contact us at 250-554-9453 for more info or email info@opendoorgroup.org
What our Clients are Saying
“I’ve learned how to use power tools, how to work as part of a team, cooking skills, communication skills, how to make things grow, cash handling and cash register usage during plant sales, driving a tractor, getting in better physical shape, self-confidence, and how to safely deal with frustration.”
G.D
Open Door Group - Gardengate Volunteer & Program Participant
Our Impact
18,000 lbs
of fresh produce grown yearly, supporting food sustainability in Kamloops.
50 +
participants supported annually through mental health and recovery program.
20 +
local volunteers participated annually.
We Want to Hear from You
We value your input as a current or past participant in our Gardengate Program. Please share your feedback with us to help improve our services and better meet your needs. Thank you for helping us to serve you better.Fill our feedback form
Our Funders & Partners
