“Beauty in the midst of difficult times can be quite therapeutic.”
Since late June 2020 Cris Purdum, a UNH Cooperative Extension Master Gardner, has been volunteering at Cross Roads House, using her expertise to beautify and maintain our outdoor spaces. Cris has been volunteering about once per week, for upwards of five hours at a time, to make our gardens thrive. She has also helped to direct groups of volunteers, most recently a group from Seacoast Women’s Giving Circle, through gardening projects.
As a Master Gardener, Cris knows how to maintain gardens. Beyond that, Cris says, “Vulnerable populations shouldn’t be excluded from the benefits of gardening. Be that flowers or food. This premise was reinforced for me by residents who stopped to say thank you, ask questions about gardening, or offer their help, and by staff who made a point to extend their appreciation. Flowers in the midst of significant life challenges do not go unnoticed. In fact, beauty in the midst of difficult times can be quite therapeutic.”
We are so grateful for Cris’ steadfast dedication to ensuring the people who live here, who work here, and who drive by the shelter, are proud of Cross Roads House and our commitment to our community.