Lori Edwards-Walters, a behavior consultant with Easterseals Arc, leads a few young women on an outing about once a month. Sometimes they try something new. Other times they simply make a meal and share it. Other days, they indulge themselves in pampering.
The underlying goal is simple but profound: Every outing is planned to create an environment where they can make friends and learn more about developing relationships. The women – all Easterseals Arc participants – share common goals.
“Socialization, positive relationships, independence and healthy lifestyle – that’s physically, mentally and spiritually. Those are the main ones,” Edwards-Walters said. “We try to connect all of those when we’re together.”
On an overcast afternoon in late September, Edwards-Walters gathered five of the women in her SUV and took them to Cobbs Flower Farm, along Indiana 37 just northeast of Interstate 469.
Owner Dale Cobbs packs a small fraction of an acre with flowers, from rows of sunflowers 7 and 8 feet tall to dahlias like living pom-poms to many varieties of cannis. He sells many flowers to retailers, and he also invites visitors to pick their own.
Cobbs had a bulk deal for the women. They could fill 5-gallon buckets with flowers for $20 per bucket.
None of the women had ever picked or arranged flowers before.
Patricia, the newest member of the group, was the boldest. As soon as Cobbs provided them with a few tips and rules, she grabbed a pair of pruning shears and waded into the greenery. As she gathered the makings of her bouquet, she saw that some in the group hesitated to sever the stems of flower they liked. She stepped in to help.
“I think it’s very peaceful,” Patricia said of the flower farm later.
Ruth was more tentative about selecting flowers. She and Edwards-Walters teamed up to help her pick among so many appealing choices.
“It’s calming,” Ruth said of picking these flowers. She’s also enjoyed cooking and going to movies with the group.
Expecting that she would be photographed while at the flower farm, Jenny wore a long, white dress for her visit. Walking through rows of flowers challenged her as she tried to keep the hem of her dress raised a few inches to keep it from getting dirty. Nevertheless, she enjoyed her first flower harvest and said she’d like to do it again sometime.
“I got to pick my own flowers. It was a new experience for me,” said Jenny, who often does art projects on her own at home.
“I like flowers,” said Lauren, who had never picked or arranged flowers before. “I like the red ones; they’re my favorite.”
During the flower exploration, Alleah seemed always aware of what others needed. For example, after Lauren sat down to rest, Alleah wrapped her arm around Lauren’s shoulder and joined her.
Alleah said she enjoyed seeing how flowers are grown. “I never picked my own flowers before. This was the first time,” she said. “I might do it again.”
Edwards-Walters began the group in 2022 to help young, Black women clients connect and support each other based on shared experiences. Over time, the group has chosen to become more diverse.
In two years, the women’s group has covered quite a range of activities, according to Edwards-Walters. Highlights include visiting Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, taking Edwards-Walters’ 80-pound goldendoodle for walks, and staging do-it-yourself spa days.
“We’ve had picnics at the park. We’ve been to the community center and done bingo there. I’ve done holiday parties; they love Halloween parties,” she said. “We’re starting to look into some volunteer stuff, too, because they’re real interested in volunteering.”