Founder of Healing by Growing Farms describes free therapy gardens that aid brain‑injury survivors

Nancy Barrow, host of the Connecticut Paid Leave podcast, interviewed Dr. Ivette Ruiz about Healing by Growing Farms, a small suburban farm in East Haven that Ruiz says provides free services to brain‑injury and trauma survivors. Ruiz described the project as a "respite space to heal others" and said the farm donates "upwards to thousands of pounds of food every growing season at no cost to anyone." The program supplies food and on‑site activities designed to rebuild physical skills and confidence for people with mobility limitations.

Ruiz said the farm began after she returned to gardening during the COVID pandemic and started inviting others who were struggling. She described one volunteer who learned animal husbandry on the farm and later "has a job" with an employer Ruiz identified as Deep. Ruiz emphasized free access: "We don't charge a penny. We don't charge any insurance. We don't charge anything." She also noted the program has created multiple "healing gardens" in other states and abroad, and she said her goal is to establish a healing garden in every U.S. state over the next decade. The episode closes with a link to show notes for more information about Healing by Growing Farms.