Corliss Center Creates New Sensory Garden
A Community Coming Together
The Corliss Center is a very special program in Warren, RI, that provides residential programs and daily services to developmentally disabled adults who are also deaf. More importantly, we believe that our disabled members should have the same opportunities as everyone else to live a
full life and enjoy participating in the many benefits that nature has to offer.
In the Spring of 2025, Corliss partnered with the Pearl Street Garden with the hopes of building a garden in a large, central, (uncared for) green area that is surrounded by the Corliss Day Program Center, Administrative Office and 3 Group homes that operate 24-7. This initial seed of an idea has grown into so much more than “just a garden” over the past few months.
One of our members, Bertha, has lived an active life, including having developed a love for growing flowers and vegetables. A few years ago, she moved from an independent apartment program into a group home where she could receive the care she requires as she transitions into
her senior years. In her group home she continued her love of gardening by growing tomato plants on her porch. Our new garden has not only gave her a place to transplant her tomatoes, but an opportunity to work in a large, outdoor environment that brings her the joy of doing her
beloved gardening, while providing the satisfaction of seeing the results of her labor.
The Corliss Sensory Garden brings our members happiness and satisfaction. The newly-constructed garden at
the Corliss Center in Warren, RI, has provided a wonderful and natural opportunity for many members to create, build, and “work” in their garden over the past spring and summer. We look forward to seeing what our second season will bring!
