Planting Seeds on Lenox St.
/By Dani Fearon, Director of Social & Emotional Support
At SSYP, we have been working hard to adapt our programming to fit the current needs of our beloved community and how to do this as safely as possible. Grappling with how to support others in building positive and healthy relationships, staying connected, and moving toward wellness amidst parallel pandemics of covid-19, systemic racism, and our current political climate has been difficult, to say the least. 2020 has created new stressors that are unique to each individual and exposed the ongoing racism and inequities in medical care, housing, and income opportunities. As a white therapist, working counter-culturally on all of the previously mentioned realities is my choice and privilege, and other than giving some context, not the main focus of this particular blog post per se!
I was recently given the opportunity to partner with a local black-owned farm, Urban Farming Institute (UFI), and introduced to a wonderful student there named Amanda Leyton-Nolan, who also appreciates the therapeutic benefits of nature. When looped in on communications around our underutilized raised bed garden which also includes a meditation area and an amazing outdoor theatre, I didn’t hesitate to take the lead on pushing the project forward as part of our social and emotional support programs (SES).
Growing up in rural Maine hasn’t always been something I appreciated or felt good about, as a young person, I was eager to leave home, hungry to explore and experience more of the world. I learned to enjoy homegrown food early because it is a cultural norm, it is accessible and the abundance was always shared among neighbors and friends. I didn't realize how cool it really is to be able to grow your own food until having to grocery shop on my own and I didn’t consider racial elements of farming such as stereotypes, access, and exposure to nature until more recently.
Part of my work is focused on developmental trauma and educating on why experiences have a greater impact on our brains during childhood. I always encourage young people to try new things and promise them and myself that one day the things we practice together will come back to help us.This idea of ‘planting seeds’ and always continuing to plant seeds even without knowing the end result but, with the hope that some will flourish is something I was taught by my Nana, who was a family counselor by profession and is one of my greatest cheerleaders. It is really fascinating to have things come full circle and recognize those early hands on activities are now my go to coping skills and hobbies.
Many of our young people speak fondly of the fresh fruits and vegetables they enjoy while in DR but, few have experienced growing plants from start to finish and few know that we can actually grow food right here in Boston. From planting tiny seeds, rooting within fertile soil, celebrating change, there are endless things that can grow from our garden other than the crops. So far we are working on maintenance, planning and decision making, tool and garden safety, fine motor skills, mindfulness, teamwork, patience, gentleness, and strength.
To this day, I never visit Maine without an empty cooler, very happy to enjoy the fruits of my family's labor. I am honored to provide this opportunity to young people here in Boston and hope to share the fruits of our labor with families in Roxbury come Spring! As Audrey Hepburn once spoke, “to plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow” which feels especially important this year.
Dani Fearon joined St. Stephens staff as the Manager of Social and Emotional Support Programs in August 2018. Dani holds a BFA from MassArt and a master’s degree in mental health counseling and art therapy from Lesley University.
During her undergraduate studies she explored mixed media sculpture including jewelry design, handmade paper, ceramics, surface design on fabric, large metal fabrication, and fine art mediums. Dani considers herself a lifelong student with eclectic skills and interests. She is an artist, licensed massage therapist, lover of nature, dog enthusiast, amateur yogi, and reiki master to name a few.
Her graduate studies largely focused on creative interventions for children and families with developmental trauma. Dani has worked in a variety of settings including transitional housing, dementia care, substance abuse recovery programs, family reunification, therapeutic schools, and various community spaces. In these spaces she uses art processes to connect with people, teach skills, and create positive change.
Since starting at SSYP, Dani has enrolled in a series of trainings on restorative justice, racial equity, and social and emotional learning. She is excited to continue her journey at St. Stephens and is dedicated to laughter and learning everyday!