First Congregational Church Beautifies Broadway House

	Church members take a break to pose for a picture with their newly planted garden. All ages of volunteers helped to beautify the grounds of Broadway House. The garden will be a colorful oasis for the residents this summer.

May 2007—Members of the First Congregational Church of Montclair planted a garden at Broadway House for everyone to enjoy.  As part of the church’s outreach ministry “Jesus has left the building …and we followed”, congregation members go into the community performing service for charitable organizations or causes. The last Sunday in April, a group of eighteen people from the church took on a project to beautify the grounds of our facility.  Their vision of creating an “oasis” in the middle of Newark was realized that morning. 

The church members raised funds to purchase the plants and supplies which would brighten the living accommodations of the 78 people who call Broadway House “home”.  A number of large indoor plantings were created to beautify the television area of the building.  These plants help to create a soothing atmosphere in a room where residents relax and enjoy free time.  Additionally, an outdoor garden was fashioned using plants native to this area of the country.  The free form garden was created so that residents can walk or maneuver a wheelchair to view all the various types of plants.  One of the focal points is a “butterfly” bush which should attract beautiful species of butterflies throughout the season. 

The garden was the brainstorm of church members, David Wasmuth and Jose German.  Their love of gardening, and desire to “brighten” the lives of our residents, led them to spearhead this project.  Much care was taken during the design phase, to choose plants which would require minimum long-term maintenance.  The selections were made with the goal of creating a garden which would produce different flowers throughout the spring and summer.  Church members are hopeful that birds will be attracted to the garden area and that residents can enjoy this “nature nook” for years to come.  

The project was an event that attracted families and singles from the church.  Even the four youngest children participated in digging and planting on that sunny morning.  Jeanine Reilly, Executive Director of Broadway House says “We are so thankful for the partnership with FCC”.  Their kindness and generosity toward our residents is a blessing”.  This project is not the first time that these two organizations have worked together.  First Congregational Church has sponsored a Valentines Day Cabaret Night as a fund raiser, and also donated Christmas gifts for the residents.  The Broadway House “SOL” (Save our Lives) choir has sung at the church during Sunday worship in recent months. 

Broadway House For Continuing Care - 298 Broadway Newark, New Jersey 07104 - (973) 268-9797