HopeYards addresses these challenges through a trauma-informed, two-generation model that combines mental health support, outdoor recreation, family engagement, and wellness education.

The program uses nature-based and community-centered activities to help families build stability, strengthen relationships, and develop healthier daily routines. By meeting families where they are and creating welcoming, accessible spaces for participation, HopeYards supports both personal recovery and stronger community connection.

Key program activities include horticultural therapy, outdoor recreation, counseling, peer mentoring, parenting and life-skills workshops, and structured family events such as Parent & Child Gardening and Get Outside gatherings. Families participate in hands-on gardening, hiking, fishing, sports, and other outdoor experiences that promote teamwork, mindfulness, emotional regulation, and healthy coping. Workshops help parents improve communication, establish routines, strengthen parenting skills, and set healthy technology boundaries at home.

A distinctive feature of HopeYards is its focus on digital well-being and leisure planning. The program helps participants recognize the impact of excessive screen time, isolation, and unhealthy habits while building practical alternatives through structured, meaningful activities. Families learn how to replace unstructured or high-risk time with positive routines that support wellness, recovery, and stronger family relationships.

HopeYards also includes neighborhood and community events that are open to the public, creating opportunities for families, volunteers, and community partners to connect in safe and supportive settings. These events may include outdoor celebrations, collaborative service projects, gardening activities, and family wellness gatherings that encourage inclusion, trust, and shared engagement. This public-facing element helps reduce stigma, build stronger neighborhood relationships, and expand access to positive community experiences for vulnerable families.

Through this work, HopeYards aims to reduce anxiety, depression, trauma symptoms, relapse risk, and social isolation while increasing family stability, resilience, recovery engagement, and emotional well-being. The program is designed not only to serve participants directly, but also to strengthen the community by creating healthy spaces where families can heal, connect, and thrive together. Support from Walmart would help William’s House expand these accessible outdoor wellness opportunities, strengthen community participation, and ensure that more children and families benefit from safe, meaningful, and restorative experiences.