Friendship Place

Waves of Alignment Week 3

We moved from awareness into translating our emotions through the garden. Joined by our friend Ms. Cole from Griot Arts, students read Jayden’s Impossible Garden and reflected on how challenges can be worked through with care and patience.

Students shared countless stories😂, compared Jayden’s garden to the Friendship Place garden, watered our plants, and decorated pots that’ll become home to some of their favs.🌻

First Fun Friday of the summer - Water Day!

Waves of Alignment - Through our composting lesson, students discovered that not everything belongs in the same pile, and that each material plays a different role in the process. As they reflected on our mesh bag activity, journaling, and drawings, we connected this idea to emotions. Just as we sort materials to help them break down and become something useful, we can notice, name, and make space for our feelings. When we understand what we’re feeling, we’re less likely to misplace those emotions in our words and actions.

An art project using Adinkra symbols, which were originally created by the Akan people of Ghana and the Ivory Coast.

The Safari continues!

Week 2 of Waves of Alignment

This week, our young gardeners are exploring what it means to slow down, tune in, and become aware of the energy they bring into the world around them. Through mindfulness, movement, reflection, and creative expression, we practiced noticing our thoughts, feelings, and reactions without judgment.
Just as a seed must orient itself toward the sun to grow, we too must learn how to recognize what helps us feel grounded, connected, and aligned.

In between our meditation and game of charades, students shared a range of emotions and even tapped into their acting skills, creating meaningful moments of connection, self-expression, and fun.

Today's reminder: Awareness is the first step toward growth. 🌻

Day 1 of Africa Week

Come support the programming at Friendship Place! It is so easy, just enjoy a meal with someone you love.

Thank you RCC for the Honkers tickets! What a great night! The boys will always remember it.

🌱 Waves of Alignment: Day 1 🌱

Today our students officially began their Waves of Alignment journey!

We started by transporting plants before gathering indoors with the support of our amazing Master Gardeners and interns. Students explored seed sorting and used a variety of seeds to create and decorate plant outlines of their choice, blending creativity, nature, and learning.
Of course, we can't forget the delicious snack and nutrition education provided by Kowsar, a former SNAP-Ed employee. One student was especially excited and joked, "I'm gonna turn into a bunny!" sending the room into laughter.

While the activities were meaningful, one of the most important moments happened during a difficult transition. A student experiencing a meltdown was able to connect, vent, and feel heard. Later, we noticed a shift in the student's demeanor and ability to re-engage.

And that's exactly what Waves of Alignment is about.

Every child has different needs. Different tools. Different adults they connect with. Sometimes growth looks like planting seeds. Sometimes it looks like creating art. And sometimes it looks like having a safe person to talk to so you can process your emotions and return to learning in a healthy way.

We're not just growing gardens. We're growing confidence, connection, emotional awareness, and belonging.

Here's to a beautiful first day and many more moments of alignment ahead.