Giving Compass' Take:

• Emflower is a social enterprise program at the YWCA of Greater Flint that helps female survivors of domestic violence learn how to garden as a way to heal from the trauma and move toward empowerment. 

• How does the act of planting help with empowerment and self-esteem? How is this model useful? 

• Read about what philanthropists can do to fund support systems for victims of domestic violence. 

Getting close to nature by digging in the dirt, preparing soil for planting, and watching blooms grow into beautiful flowers can be therapeutic. Gardening can be a healing activity for victims of domestic violence. A new social enterprise program at the YWCA of Greater Flint strives to take that healing and transform it into education and opportunity.

With the support of a $17,462 grant from the Gen Forward Network, the Community Foundation’s young philanthropist membership organization, Emflower is in full bloom. The farm’s hoop house is located on Beach Street and clients at the YWCA are tending the gardens.

The work isn’t easy, but the women are learning new skills and are earning a wage for their efforts. Hoffman, a local florist herself, provides guidance to the women, teaching the art of growing and caring for flowers and plants like strawberries and raspberries.

“Emflower is an effort to empower women survivors in a new way through self-esteem building, job skills and blooms,” said Hoffman. “We have witnessed their pride in seeing the fruits of their labor. “We will continue to seek to plant future seeds of change for the women and our community.”

Read the full article about domestic violence at Medium