The Growing Stronger Program was created in the spring of 2002. Its purpose was to provide mentoring to at risk youth in the field of landscaping services. At that time, 6 teenagers from the Windham Heights after school youth program participated. We renovated the landscaping of the Windham Heights Day Care Center. Leadership of the program and funds for materials were provided by the creator/facilitator.
During 2004, the dream of fitting this type of dual action service program to the needs of women began to come together. Two women with physical disabilities were aided in the landscaping of their homes. A relationship with the recovery community began to be established. It became a strong desire to combine mentoring women in life skills and vocational training while serving the landscaping needs of women with physical challenges. In 2005 funding was received, enabling the initiative to be able to operate as GROWING STRONGER Mentoring/Service Program for women.