Site selection
At this time we have a tentative site under discussion. Details will be announced as we confirm the location.

Partnering with local organizations
From the schools and Town of Hamden, to local non-profits and violence intervention organizations, we plan to establish meaningful relationships with many local stakeholders who will benefit from the garden and also help us ensure it has longevity. Building and maintaining those relationships will be an important way to ensure that the garden is used to its maximum potential.

Building a strong Board of Directors to manage the park
Eli’s Garden of Healing is co-founded by Crystal Cathcart and Kyle Zukauskas, Elijah’s Aunt and Uncle. Together with Elijah’s mother, Jennifer Cathcart, we are going to build a strong Board with other community members who can work together to bring our mission forward.

Garden Design
We have officially selected Hamden resident and award winning Architect Marissa Mead as the Lead Architect to partner with us on intentionally designing the healing garden and sculptural elements of the garden. Stay tuned as we produce garden design plans.

Fundraising
Fundraising for the park will be critical. We did not anticipate we would lose Elijah less than a week after his 15th birthday. As a result, we will establish a budget for the construction and ongoing maintenance of the park and then develop a strategic plan to ensure it is appropriately funded. These funds will come from private donations from the community, in addition to grants and other sources. Donations can be made today on the “support eli’s garden of healing” page.

Creating material and plant wish lists for anyone interested in contributing material goods
As the garden design is finalized, we will have a clear need for construction materials, seeds/plants, machinery, and volunteer talent-types. We will be sharing wish lists for donations with the public as the materials we will need are known.