What Does It Take to Keep This Going?

The moments we share in our programs—a child calming while petting a rabbit, a memory sparked by the scent of basil, a quiet hand held in a memory care unit—may look simple from the outside. But behind every one of those moments is a web of careful planning, dedicated people, and ongoing investment.

So what does it really take to keep The Nature Connection going?

It takes time.

Every program is designed thoughtfully, with materials tailored to each group’s sensory, cognitive, and emotional needs. Our staff prepare natural items, care for animals, train volunteers, and travel across Middlesex County to bring our work to those who need it most.

It takes expertise.

Our team brings deep knowledge in trauma-informed care, dementia-friendly practices, and person-centered programming. We don’t drop off a lesson and leave—we build trust, respond to each individual, and make every visit meaningful.

It takes relationships.

We partner with group homes, day centers, therapeutic schools, and senior living communities. These relationships often span years, even decades. They’re built on consistency, compassion, and a shared belief that everyone deserves access to nature.

It takes animals.

Our animals—rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, snails, snakes—require daily care, training, and attention. They are part of our team, and their well-being is central to everything we do. That includes food, housing, veterinary care, enrichment, and ongoing observation.

It takes volunteers.

We train and support a growing team of volunteers who help facilitate one-on-one engagement, prepare materials, and care for our animals. Their time, presence, and heart make this work possible.

And yes—it takes money.

As a nonprofit, we rely on donations and grants to fund our programs. We keep our costs low for partner sites, many of which have limited budgets. That means community support—people like you—plays a vital role in helping us continue.

The truth is, we’ve been showing up quietly for 40 years. We’ve built something resilient, relationship-based, and rooted in deep care. But to keep it going—and to grow—we need more people to know we’re here.

If you’ve been moved by the stories in this series, we hope you’ll consider being part of that support system. Whether it’s a donation, a volunteer shift, or simply telling a friend about us, every action helps.

Because it may take a lot to make this work happen—but the impact is always worth it.

Call to Action:
Want to help keep nature accessible to those who need it most? Visit www.nature-connection.org/dona... to make a gift, or learn about other ways to support our work.