Master Gardener, Lou Scallon, supports youth at Ember Recovery Campus

At Ember Recovery, growth comes in many forms.

Lou Scallon, Master Gardener, spends time each week with clients in recovery at Ember Recovery Campus. He donates his time and materials to teach youth and young adults gardening, a skill beneficial to their recovery journey.

Growing up on a farm near Iowa Falls, Lou’s love for gardening started in his parents’ large garden. “I just really enjoyed raising things, and the satisfaction of seeing things grow really was an important lesson for me when I was a child,” he shared.

Lou and his wife, Cosette, have been supporters of YSS for around 30 years. Inspired by studies that show gardening is very helpful for young people in terms of growing and learning, Lou dreamed of starting a youth gardening program. As he watched Ember Recovery Campus come to life, he knew it was the perfect place for this dream to bloom.

“They feel a real sense of accomplishment … a living thing is dependent on them for care,” Lou said.

Together, Ember clients built raised garden beds on campus. This summer, they saw the fruits of their work as they grew raspberries, strawberries, sweet potatoes, zucchini, chard, carrots, tomatoes, lettuce, beans, and sunflowers. The best part is all the produce is used in the kitchen at Ember.

Many clients have recognized gardening as a new hobby. He reflects, “A lot of them have been very excited about it and want it to continue as they move on from Ember.”

Thank you, Lou, for generously supporting youth and young adults in recovery at Ember.