Blooming Caravan has the best supporters! I feel honoured to work with people who value creativity, nature, and companionship as much as I do. There is nothing like seeing people transform into happier, more inspired, and energized versions of themselves in their elder years.
But don’t just take my word for it. Here is what some clients have said about regular visits from me.
"We didn’t know we were looking for Emma until she came into our lives."
Elli was already getting help with the house. We thought she was relieved to have less pressure, but she really didn’t have anything to look forward to and seemed to be getting more down each day. Now I came back home to find her up and about, chatting in the kitchen with Emma, having made my favorite lemon cake. Not only is Elli looking happy, but I also get to enjoy her exquisite baking again. Emma always arrives with flowers, so things are really looking up around here, and I know how much Elli appreciates it.
— BOB. S, HUSBAND AND CARE PARTNER
"Our whole family is so appreciative of what you’re doing for my dad."
I just want you to know that my dad was so proud to give us all a copy of his book this Christmas. Growing up we had heard his stories from the war and how he came to Canada, but we never expected he would write them down. Now we have it forever, and my children will get to know their grandfather even if he isn’t here to tell them himself. Whenever I called in the evenings, after your visits, he would tell me what you had worked on together and were planning for next week. My Mom tells me he’s spending time again in his home office and he’s really got his sense of purpose back. We all thought he liked being retired, but now we can see that he got quite bored before the projects started. My Mom is also happy to have time to do her own things now that he’s more occupied.
— STEPHANIE K., DAUGHTER AND CARE PARTNER
"My neighbours keep telling me how nice my balcony looks and asking when Emma is coming back."
When my children first told me about gardening with Emma, I thought it sounded really intriguing, but I didn’t want them spending the money on me. It was nice of them to organize these things, but they didn’t need to worry about me so much. Then they convinced me to try growing tomatoes because they know how much I used to love my vegetable garden. I didn’t know what she was going to do with me, because I don’t have a garden anymore and I can’t bend down very well, but she got me all set up with the containers that I can take care of on my own. Next week she’s bringing herbs for me to plant, as I told her I like them for cooking. I don’t have to worry about getting anything for my garden. She asks me what I need and brings it when she comes. She says we can do gardening even in the winter and I’m waiting to see that!
— DOROTHY S., LIFELONG GARDENER
And here is what some of my collaborators have said about working together.
"Blooming Caravan is there to help put what’s important to our health back into focus."
I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Emma for the past 15 years on community projects ranging from youth worker training to digital storytelling. Emma has always taken on new and emerging social issues affecting vulnerable communities and developed innovative solutions to tackle those complex issues. Now that I’m in my early 70s, I see firsthand that there is a significant lack of care services that work on a one-to-one basis with individuals wanting to live a full and healthy life. I’m so glad that Emma’s business is there to help me and others like me to get more out of retirement by using our talents and skills.
— BRENT MACKINNON, BOARD PRESIDENT OF THE AURORA COMMUNITY TENNIS CLUB AND
BOARD VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE KRASMAN CENTRE
"Emma is an expert in community development who excels at
authentic engagement in diverse communities."
She brings a keen sense of social justice to all she does and offers a unique and thoughtful way to solving challenges. Having worked with Emma, I'm confident that Blooming Caravan clients will appreciate and benefit from her quick wit, creativity, and collaborative approach which make her a motivating facilitator and a true pleasure to work with.
— STEPHANIE CROCKER, SCC CONSULTING,
LOCAL FOOD PROCUREMENT IN LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES
“Emma always goes the extra distance to make experiences special for each client.”
Emma is a talented and creative horticultural therapist who wisely uses nature as inspiration in her work with older adults and their caregivers. She’s gifted at designing and delivering intergenerational programs, events, and workshops that appeal to children and grownups alike. She is a clear and intelligent thinker, superbly organized, and a generous team player—qualities that make her a pleasure to work with!
—JANE HAYES, GARDEN JANE & HOFFMANN HAYES,
HEALTHY FOOD PROGRAMMING, GARDENS & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
“Count your age by friends, not years. Count your life by smiles, not tears.”
