About Us
How We're Helping
We are blossoming! Please visit our new website at tftcgardens.org
This project will fund the building of gardens designed around trauma recovery initiatives for at-risk youth. The focus is to provide safe spaces for recovery, ways of connecting with others and for vocational training. These gardens will include sensory zones, plantings for education and reconnecting with nature--including where food comes from; outdoor classrooms, active art areas, pacing pathways and poetry reading/ yoga spaces, The first gardens will be implemented in two Juvenile Justice settings. The goal is that these multipurpose outdoor spaces will be built in youth centers all across North Carolina.
The project is being spearheaded by Dr. Natasha Donnelly PhD, RN, Sociologist and Suicide Prevention specialist who currently works for Juvenile Justice NC and supported by Ms. Anne Spafford, MLA, Professor of Landscape Horticulture at NC State, author and design consultant. Natasha researched and developed the concept over a 5 year period with the input of multidisciplinary teams who specialize in trauma recovery support. In Oct. 2017 Anne and her talented students from NC State University collaborated with Juvenile Justice Students to add to the designs for these spaces and make the vision a possible reality even more spectacular than ever imagined possible.
We are now holding our first annual fundraiser "Art Expression in the Garden" in Raleigh at the JC Raulston Arboretum on 21st April at 4pm rain or shine.
Picture above of proposed garden design by NCSU student Yadong Liu
Ist Annual "Art Expression in the Garden" fundraiser was held April 21
This magical event was themed around using nature and artistry to navigate the labyrinth of life. Held on 21st April at 4pm (rain or shine) in the beautiful gardens of the JC Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh. It was opened by the Principal Ballerinas Margaret Severin-Hansen and Marcelo Martinez from Carolina Ballet, Soprano Lora Fabio accompanied by a violin trio. The event had live bands including Sonny4Miles, 16th Seed, Gina Revae, Foscoe Philharmonic, and performing artists throughout the gardens. Justin LeBlanc from Project Runway presented a fashion show with the launch of his evening wear collection in NC and collaboration from Art2Wear original designs. by Katie Rant and Olivia Koval. NYC Fashion week models including Svea and Hayley McGrath with Sonja Simone,. Ballet dancer and model from Washington Ballet, Peyton Anderson and Holly Donnelly from Sarasota Ballet made an appearance. The Winston-Salem group, Authoring Action, brought down the house with their spoken poetry performance that they had created just for our event. Get regular updates by visiting our facebook page - therapeuticgardensncjj
Photo of Peyton Anderson, Washington Ballet by Luis Pons
Donate or Sponsor the Gardens
The fundraiser has passed, but you can still help! Visit
tftcgardens.org
to make a donation or to sponsor a garden (or built garden element.
Photo Margaret Severin-Hansen and Marcelo Martinez by Cindy McEnery
Photo gallery
Justin LeBlanc - Designer, Project Runway
Soprano Lora Fabio (known for singing engagements under the direction of Maestro Alfred Sturgis include soprano soloist for all five productions of the North Carolina Master Chorale and Carolina Ballet's Carmina Burana).
Sonja Simone - model and performer
Kindale Godbee -Master Hairstylist and Makeup Artist
Photo Gallery
