Exciting Partnership Forms in Decatur, GA to Support Grief and Community Well-Being

Exciting Developments in Decatur, GA: Grief House and Trellis Team Up

Decatur, GA, is buzzing with excitement as two local nonprofits, Grief House and Trellis Horticultural Therapy Alliance, are set to create a vibrant community hub at Nickerson Cottage in Legacy Park. The Legacy Decatur Board of Directors recently gave the green light for this partnership, and it promises to be a nurturing space for those navigating grief.

A New Home for Grief Support

At Nickerson Cottage, Grief House plans to offer programs that help individuals process their grief, regardless of the type of loss. Their mission focuses on fostering “community-led offerings that foster the metabolism of grief,” as stated on their website. The collaboration with Trellis will undoubtedly enhance the warm, inclusive atmosphere that both nonprofits embody.

The Legacy Decatur Executive Director, Madeleine Henner, shared her vision of how the cottage will serve the community. “For Trellis to be able to maximize their programming but also be kind of more financially sustainable, they had always asked to have the ability to sublease part of that Nickerson building, which we approved in their lease,” she explained. This partnership should create a more well-rounded support system for residents in Decatur.

The Details of the Arrangement

Although the lease has yet to be executed, it’s pending some improvements to ensure all areas, including the restrooms and back entrance, are ADA-accessible. This attention to accessibility is crucial and shows a commitment to serving everyone in the community. Grief House will be required to formalize their agreement with Trellis and ensure they also comply with the standard lease requirements from Legacy Decatur.

Keeping Legacy Park Clean and Green

In addition to the exciting news about Grief House and Trellis, the Legacy Decatur Board recently approved a vital contract with Osprey Initiative. The nonprofit will tackle the litter issue plaguing Legacy Park by removing rubbish and debris, with a payment of $12,000 coming from a generous $50,000 National Fish and Wildlife grant.

During their three-day cleanup effort, Osprey Initiative managed to haul away an astonishing 4,000 pounds of garbage! Some of these items included rusted metal scraps and outdated trash like discontinued pull-tab cans from the 1970s. “There is still more in there… they got concerned that they would start to interfere with the integrity of the bank,” Henner noted. This commitment to cleaning the park also highlights the collaboration between local nonprofits and the importance of maintaining the area’s natural beauty.

Looking Ahead

With the National Fish and Wildlife grant, the board has also authorized Henner to initiate contracts for purchasing trees and educational signage. The funding includes $10,000 for both trees and signage, and the deadline for utilizing these funds is fast approaching at the end of December. Henner’s proactive approach in securing these resources will help ensure that Legacy Park remains a welcoming place for all visitors.

Track Construction Update

In other news, improvements to the park continue with updates on the track construction. The turf has been freshly installed, and the asphalt is set to cure for 30 days. In addition, the gym is being remodeled to improve its ADA-accessibility and add necessary storage areas. Henner highlighted that this project, a joint effort between the city and the Decatur School System, aims to prioritize community use, ensuring everyone can partake in the park’s offerings.

As we witness these transformative changes in Decatur, it’s clear that collaboration among local organizations is paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future. With Grief House and Trellis combining their efforts, they’re setting an inspiring example of how community support can flourish.