Veterans Grow Together at VanKeuren Square

In Syracuse, NY, veterans at the VanKeuren Square apartments are finding healing and connection through the therapeutic power of gardening. Located in the heart of the city, VanKeuren Square is a 50-unit development specifically designed with veterans in mind. Named after Robert Van Keuren of Canandaigua, co-founder of the National Coalition of Homeless Veterans, half of the apartments are reserved for low-income veterans, while the other half are dedicated to veterans who have experienced chronic homelessness.

What began as a simple initiative to cultivate green spaces at VanKeuren Square has blossomed into a transformative experience for the veterans residing there, offering them a sense of purpose, community, and fostering resilience. Led by the efforts of Kathy Burns, Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator for Cornell Cooperative Extension Onondaga County (CCE), and supported by Farm Ops, CCE staff, and dedicated master gardener volunteers, the gardens have become more than just a place to grow plants – they are a sanctuary where veterans grow alongside the greenery. “Horticulture has a unique way of healing,” Burns explains. “It’s not just about growing plants – it’s about growing people.”

For many veterans, the transition to civilian life can be challenging, but the act of nurturing life in the garden has provided a therapeutic outlet and a tangible sense of accomplishment. The gardens have also become a gathering place where veterans share stories, exchange tips, and build lasting friendships, helping to combat feelings of isolation. Army veteran and resident Jessica Hunter reflects on the impact, saying, “Leaving the service felt like being slammed into a wall. But gardening has been a consistent, positive thing for me. It’s work you do with your hands and you see immediate benefits. It gives you something to be proud of.”