As springtime approaches here in New England, we look forward to warmer temperatures and longer days. This year, Christopher Hart, CEO and President of The Nathan Hale Foundation, is anxiously counting down the days to unveil a therapeutic garden for veterans at Three Harts Farm in Plymouth. The 230-foot raised garden will be the only one of its kind in the area.
With two veteran outreach centers (one in Plymouth and a second in Middleboro), they offer everything from food and clothing to transportation and counseling to more than 700 clients in Massachusetts. Hart knew how difficult it was for veterans to drive all the way into Boston from the South Shore for treatments so he purchased a Wellness and Audiology Center in Middleboro to address their needs closer to home.
When he opens the garden in a few weeks next to The Pinehills Golf Club in Plymouth, they will also be unveiling a bike trail that travels through the pristine area. The farm will provide fresh fruit and vegetables for veterans at the two Veterans' Wellness Pantries Nathan Hale provides at both outreach centers. Many local retailers support the pantries by making weekly donations of everything from pastries to new clothing. The Nathan Hale Foundation distributed 75,000 pounds of food to veterans and their families in 2015. (The Greater Boston Food Bank and Project Bread are major supporters of food distribution).
“When people come up to me and give me a hug, that's my ribbon and why I do what I do,” Hart humbly added.
