UNE Social Work students lead intergenerational gardening program in Congress Square Park

University of New England students Nina Williams (Social Work, ’19) and Corey Carmichael (Social Work, ’19) were recently featured in the weekly paper The Phoenix for bringing children and elders together to work on an intergenerational garden.

“We hope to bring light to the value of sharing space and building community that’s inclusive of all ages and abilities through this project,” said Williams.

Williams and Carmichael helped set up new garden beds in Congress Square Park in Portland. They are growing peppers, tomatoes and kale, along with several other plants and vegetables. The project is part of their ongoing work involving aging and diversity.

Both students are pursuing Training in Aging and Diversity (TRIAD) certificates at UNE’s School of Social Work. TRIAD students undergo specialized training in working with diverse aging populations, while collaborating to create solutions that better serve their needs.

The Phoenix article was written by Meg Webster, student support specialist in the School of Social Work. Webster says writing "Is something I enjoy doing on the side." This is the first time she has written about her students.

“To be able to merge work and my creative interests outside of work is great,” said Webster.

Webster says the article also helps with recruitment efforts by highlighting what UNE students are doing out in the community.

The garden beds will remain through the growing season. The students hope they will be kept in the park and utilized for years to come.