Thanks to the recently implemented “Adopt a Flower Bed” program on our Ruston campus, three girls from our Reception Center and a staff were able to get their hands dirty and have a little fun doing so with volunteer Curtis Hawkins. What started out as Hawkins volunteering to help with a flower bed in front of James House to beautify it before Homecoming activities, became so much more.

Curtis Hawkins is a police lieutenant with the City of Ruston. He has been on our campus numerous times over the years for various reasons involving our youth. When Daryl Altic, Director of Quality Assurance for the Home, saw Curtis working by himself in the flower beds he asked if he minded if some of the youth helped him. Curtis welcomed the idea and Daryl rounded up the three girls to help!

What transpired was a fun, educational and positive interaction for all. The girls and their staff were able to work with Curtis who talked with them, showed them how to gently dig up flowers by the root and replant them into the provided flower pots. Then he showed them how to layout and plant the new flowers in the flower bed. They were very sweet and asked a lot of questions.

They soon discovered a frog among the dirt and had a great time chasing it and taking turns holding it before turning it loose. It was a great opportunity for the youth to have a positive experience with a law enforcement officer and for them to realize that there are real people who care behind the badge and intimidating uniform!

Once the planting was completed, Curtis asked if he could pray with the girls who were very receptive to the gesture. They told him that “they had so much fun” and couldn’t wait to see the flowers bloom and spread in the flower bed over the next few weeks. Their staff thanked Hawkins and said she had a good time as well.

Just like Luke Allen, VP of Operations, said when he implemented the new program, “Gardening and growing flowers is good for your health! There are countless articles that support that getting your hands dirty growing something relieves stress and is just good for your soul. Now let’s get growing…”