A Sanctuary of Growth and Healing for Homeless Veterans
In the heart of Lakewood, Colorado, lies a haven of hope and transformation: Valor Point Domiciliary for Homeless Veterans. Established nearly five years ago, this facility, an integral part of the Veterans Affairs Eastern Colorado Health Care System, is a beacon of support for veterans facing homelessness and challenges post-service.
With 40 beds in 37 rooms, Valor Point ensures privacy for its residents, allowing them to focus on learning the skills needed for self-sufficient living. The facility caters to short-term and extended stays, accommodating the unique needs of each individual. While at Valor Point, residents have access to various services, including social workers, mental health experts, physical and art therapists, and employment and housing liaisons.
The facility itself is designed to foster a sense of community and growth. It boasts amenities like a gym, an art studio with a kiln, a cafeteria, a gathering area, an outdoor garden, and, most recently, a 26′ Growing Dome greenhouse. These features create an environment where veterans can focus on personal development and healing.
Seeds of Transformation: The Growing Dome Greenhouse
In 2022, Valor Point applied for our in-kind grant program and was awarded one of two grants to build a 26’ Growing Dome greenhouse. The project was spearheaded by Jessica Conyers, a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, with help from Hieu Pham, the newest Systems Redesign Innovation Specialist, and Cristal Durham, another recreation therapist at the facility.
In August of 2023, the team at Valor Point got to work constructing their greenhouse with help from our crew here at Growing Spaces.
Jessica Conyers, the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist behind this endeavor, sheds light on their plans for the Growing Dome: “The addition of the geodesic dome will allow us to grow year-round and continue teaching Veterans gardening who are here in the winter season. Many of our Veterans struggle with drug and alcohol abuse and learning new healthy leisure skills and finding a new sober community to connect with is vital to their long-term recovery. I have had 2 Veterans fall in love with gardening at our program and have gone on to join local community gardens in their new neighborhoods once they are in their own apartments in the community.
She further emphasizes, “Veterans at the program are diverse, ranging in age from 20-80 and all racial and ethnic backgrounds. Many of our Veterans come from a street homeless background, and learning how to prepare healthy foods is an important life skill they learn here that they take with them once they graduate the program and move into their apartment.”
Cultivating Healing Through Urban Farming
As the Growing Dome was taking shape, we were invited to watch one of the facility’s cooking classes, an integral part of their therapeutic approach.
Guided by skilled instructors, veterans engaged in a cooking class. They learned to incorporate fresh produce from the garden into their meals, igniting a sense of empowerment and connection to the food they were preparing. This experience epitomized the holistic nature of Valor Point’s initiatives—a space where physical nourishment intertwines with emotional healing. We can’t wait to come back and visit when the Growing Dome is in full swing, and fresh produce is abundant even in the winter!
Inspiring others to do the same
In her youth, Jessica was inspired by Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center. Just as Jessica’s inspiration sparked a healing journey, this blog hopes to spark the flame of change in the hearts and minds of all who read it. The road to the Growing Dome was challenging, requiring research and patience.
Greenhouse Therapy
We visited Valor Point in August of 2024 to see how the Growing Dome was being utilized for the veterans. I met Alicia and John who were in charge of maintaining the greenhouse. They were growing dahlias, peppers, tomatoes, and a lemon tree and providing fresh produce for the kitchen. Jessica told me they had to purchase bigger salad bowls to accommodate the amount of veggies that were being provided for the veterans.
Many of the veterans would also use the space for therapy and meditation and to find a peaceful place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the VA. They would go early in the morning or late at night and light incense to get some peace. It was a very natural space for them and helped to reduce anxiety. They would feed the fish, water the plants, and enjoy the ambiance of the Dome.
Greg, a former marine, said it helped him see things differently and gave him a unique point of view in his therapy and recovery process. For Justin, it was his first interaction with the staff at the VA, and Alicia in particular helped him become part of the community there. Justin called it a ‘nursery for life.’
John and Alicia have also spent a lot of time on the outdoor growing beds which also provide food for the kitchen. They are also starting to plant the perimeter beds in the dome. Soon they’ll be able to generate enough food to also support the local food bank.
If you are looking for information on grants, we recommend reviewing our grant resource page, where we have compiled grant information for School Garden Grants, Community Garden Grants, Veterans and People with Disabilities Garden Grants, Organic Farming and Horticulture Grants, and Other Gardening Resources for Kids.
Originally authored by Kenzie Jackson September 6, 2023 • updated August 27, 2024 by Lem Tingley
