By Jeremy Willinger
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What does it mean to plant roots? For the people with intellectual and developmental disabilities supported by CP Unlimited (CPU), it means literally putting vegetables into soil while simultaneously grounding their work to an expansive vision of inclusivity, independence, and purpose.
On Staten Island at the organization’s Cora Hoffman Center on the aptly named Forest Avenue, two plexiglass greenhouses sit behind a metal fence, a warm respite from any outside coldness. They are stocked- depending on the season- with peppers, cabbage, kale, lettuce, Swiss chard, herbs, beets, and more. No matter the weather, it is always balmy and close to harvest time in the greenhouses.
Erected in 2021 in partnership with the non-profit Smile Farms to help provide meaningful employment, vocational, and educational opportunities for people with disabilities in agriculture and hospitality, it is one of 10 campuses across New York City and Long Island. Like what we teach our children: it is what is on the inside that counts; while flora is growing, so is hope. The greenhouses support two full-time workers with disabilities who enjoy the full process of the planting process. “I love the greenhouses,” says CPU’s James Cuomo, who has worked with Smile Farms for more than two years.
Peppers grown are harvested and turned into Heat with Heart, a line of hot sauces under the Smile Farms label whose proceeds are re-rooted and routed to programs to help persons with disabilities. Either the red or green versions will spice up any dish, and all go great on a tortilla chip. “We are incredibly proud to partner with CP Unlimited. It’s truly inspiring to witness the sense of pride they feel as the peppers they’ve grown are transformed into a marketable product—a tangible accomplishment that reflects their hard work and purpose,” said Beth Karcher of Smile Farms.
More of the space is devoted to other crops which enhance diets and fine dining across New York. On one hand, CPU shares the produce with the people supported by the Agency throughout Staten Island which reduces the time needed to procure fresh, healthy foods. In residential and Day Hab settings, CPU is augmenting health in as many ways as possible. Additional dirt is devoted to supplies for two of New York’s leading restaurants, Temple Court and Craft NYC, both by celebrity chef Tom Colicchio.
Harvests are also sold directly to consumers on Staten Island and in farmers markets in Manhattan and other NYC boroughs. At Smile Farms-sponsored events and other venues, CPU offer hot sauces and fresh produce as well as information about the greenhouses. The latter is the most important, because each interaction is a chance for a person with disabilities to be an educator and to show off their pride in representing a great cause while practicing social skills.
Officials including New York State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo, and Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella are among some of the boldfaced names to visit and be provided a tour by one of our gardeners. “CP Unlimited does such amazing work for those living with disabilities and we are honored to work with them,” said Pirozzolo on his visit.
The benefits of gardening have been documented and include reduced stress, better physical health, deepened social connection, and more pleasant mood. Amplified within those advantages are consequential improvements for persons with disabilities. “The greenhouses are significant for the people we support and our organization. Providing these individuals the most comprehensive suite of options for education, engagement, and entertainment is a central part of our mission to help people with disabilities achieve fulfilling lives. We are proud to have our greenhouses be a place of inspiration and success,” said Joseph M. Pancari, President & CEO of CP Unlimited.
On a recent episode of Staten Island Disability News, Jessica Ann Francese, Director of the Day Program on Staten Island for CP Unlimited shared a few stories, but none more poignant than when she highlighted how transformative the space has become. “Watching James and the other workers and volunteers is inspiring. They are so proud of their peppers and plants, and it teaches them so many lessons every day: those of patience, reward, hard work, and perseverance,” she said. “It was a corner of our parking lot that used to just have four cars…now we have a space that is feeding Staten Island!”
