Glen Arden Enriched Housing Unit Expands Patio, Garden Area for its Residents

June 8, 2010 - PRLog -- Goshen – June 8, 2010 – The Glen Arden Enriched Housing Unit recently expanded its patio area to include raised flower & herb beds, along with a sturdy patio table set – complete with an expansive shade umbrella – large enough to seat six.

The expansion is thanks to a generous – anonymous – donation of roughly $10,000 made to the Elant Foundation on behalf of the Enriched Housing Unit, which opened five years ago and can accommodate up to 28 residents who require assisted living services.

The patio’s official opening was marked by a festive ribbon-cutting garden party on Friday, June 4th. Village of Goshen Mayor John Higgins, Elant Foundation Chairman Joseph Minuta, and Elant Executive Vice President Todd Whitney were on hand to commemorate the occasion, along with many EHU residents and members of their families. Helping to hold the ribbon during the ceremony were three of the Glen Arden Enriched Housing Unit’s longest tenured residents: Edna Sperr, Anita Muller, and Irene Massengill.

“Just because someone lives in a residential setting doesn’t mean they should be deprived access to the outdoors,” said Maureen Torelli, vice president and executive director of Glen Arden. “Sadi said: ‘A garden is a delight to the eye and a solace for the soul.’ This courtyard will bring delight and solace for years to come for those who call Enriched Housing ‘Home’.”

The courtyard already contains winding walking paths and several beautiful flower beds, all of which are at ground level. Still, it was impossible for many of Glen Arden’s Enriched Housing Unit residents to actually tend to the plants and flowers.

But the new five raised beds that occupy the additional 312 square feet of patio space allow residents to reach the beds without bending down or getting out of their wheelchairs.

“We are committed to living up to our name and providing a truly enriched living experience,” said Maya Bissonette, the Enriched Housing program coordinator. “I hope with all my heart that this new outdoor space will become a favorite place for lunch with family, an evening cocktail, or perhaps a siesta.”

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Elant, Inc., a community-based, not-for-profit organization, is a network of organizations that provides health and housing services to older adults and chronically ill people of all ages in the Hudson Valley and beyond.