Testimonials

Healing By Growing Farms: A Tapestry of Impact

Healing By Growing Farms (HBG) weaves a powerful narrative of transformation, echoing across diverse voices and communities globally. Here are some highlights:

“Thank you for coming to speak to us. I am in awe of your dedication, compassion, kindness and heart. You are without a doubt lighting up the world with love and wonder. Healing By Growing is making an incredibly positive impact in the lives of so many people - you and all you do gives me hope!!"

— Roan, Yale University

“Thank you so much for the work that you do and for providing a (healing) sanctuary to the members of the New Haven community and beyond. I admire your commitment to the service and care of others, and I am grateful to have met you.”

— Laila Woods, Yale University

“So happy that we can support your project and all the goodness that you are growing at the farm.”

— Melissa Koomson, Choate Rosemary Hall

“Dr. Ivette's analysis, insights, creativity, and dedication have deepened and expanded equity and accessibility in our Network to support wellness in agricultural communities. It is an honor and delight to collaborate with Dr. Ivette."

— Jac Wypler, Farmer Mental Health Director, National  Young Farmers' Coalition 

“I have worked with Dr. Ruiz for almost two years in her capacity as a Cohort Leader and Accessibility Consultant for Cultivemos, a network for farmer wellbeing. I have been blown away by the professionalism, compassion, and rich life experience she brings to her work. She has identified and advocated for changes to our platforms and systems to make our work more accessible to our members with disabilities. The cohort she leads also dreamt up, planned, and ran a yearly Northeast Conference on Disability and Agriculture, bringing much needed education and discourse on disabilities to the field. I am forever impressed with her advocacy and commitment to this work!”

— Angel Papineau, Cultivemos Manager, National Young Farmers' Coalition

“I am so grateful for a community-engaged research course at Wesleyan bringing me to partner with Healing by Growing Farms, specifically Dr. Ivette Ruiz. Dr. Ivette was extremely kind, transparent, and vulnerable from the moment we walked in. She took pride in teaching us so much about the farm in a short time. The interview quickly flowed like a conversation and was super informative and inspiring. As a first-generation college student, a woman of color, with a chronic illness, Dr. Ivette made me feel seen. I am grateful to now give back to Dr. Ivette what she gave us for our research project.”

— Kiarah Young, Wesleyan University Graduate 

“To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified. Isaiah 61:3 New King James Version - Through my lens, Dr. Ivette Ruiz is a wonderful example of beauty for ashes. She has allowed God to heal her sorrow, pain, hurt and despair and turn it into something beautiful - Healing by Growing Farms. It brings joy, has brought forth much fruit and has brought life to many. To be able to bear witness to her transformation as a person and the birth of HBG is truly amazing. Her passion for others and their well- being is self-less and inspiring. She gives of herself daily to everyone she meets. 

Dr. Ruiz nurtures with care and concern and expects nothing in return. She is God’s vessel that has poured into others countless times, often leaving herself empty and depleted. She does this with such grace, compassion and the gentle love of Christ. To be able to work beside Ivette for HBG means more to me than she will ever know. I am beyond humbled that she has allowed me to share my gifts and talents working with her and the team to impact her vision and mission. What a blessing to be part of an organization that embraces hope and healing!”

— Crystal Jeter Prince, Cultivemos Disability & Agriculture Cohort Member 

“I am immensely proud to be a part of Healing By Growing Farms. As a breast cancer survivor, organizations like Healing By Growing Farms, which assist farmers in reclaiming their lives post-trauma, hold a special place in my heart. Working with Healing By Growing Farms under Dr. Ivette Ruiz's leadership is truly a rewarding experience. I constantly feel valued and integral to the team. The volunteer program is exceptionally well-organized, with Dr. Ruiz and the team offering clear communication regarding expectations, making it seamless to contribute productively. 

Excitingly, our farm has been chosen as the inaugural Healing By Growing Ambassador Garden in Ohio. Currently in the planning stages, we eagerly anticipate breaking ground on our accessible space this spring. It is an immense honor to provide a haven for guests of all abilities to sit, observe, and enjoy our picturesque bison farm while connecting with nature.”

— Carie Starr, Cherokee Valley Bison Ranch, Ohio. Inaugural HBG Site - For Healing Gardens Ambassador Partnership Alliance Program 

“Being on the compliance team I send out a lot of HEL and WC determinations which can have a big impact and going forward I am going to make sure that my maps that I send out are readable and accessible to all customers.”

— Nicole Ellis, USDA NRCS Training 

“It was very nice to hear from someone who has a disability talk about this topic.”

— Anonymous, USDA NRCS 

“This was amazing. I hope you will do this again next year; I cannot wait. I learned so much as a disabled person and farmer myself.”

— Justina, HBG 1st Northeast Disability & Agriculture Conference Participant 

“I had the pleasure to attend the 1st Northeast Disability and Agriculture Conference in coastal Connecticut over the weekend. The experience was organized and led by Dr. Ivette Ruiz – we can say it was a groundbreaking discovery and success.”

— Jose Lopez,  Farm Land

“I was happy to learn about all of the resources available for farmers. These will be very useful in my job (which includes providing assistance to farmers). I really enjoyed the "break-outs" of having more in-depth discussion with smaller groups. It brought in more perspectives and bolstered engagement more than just listening alone.”

— Courtney Gilligan, Southwest Conservation District

“It has been years since I was able to disconnect from my pain and trauma but being at the farm and working with the animals and Dr. Ruiz allowed me to clear my mind for the first time. I feel free, at peace and truly enjoying the Agri-therapy experience. Thank you to Dr. Ruiz.”

— Anonymous, HBG Patient 

"I think it’s unbelievable what she was able to pull off in such a small space, " said Jane Gross, Ruiz's longtime friend and former colleague. Gross said she received produce through the farm's delivery program after she experienced a medical issue earlier this year that prevented her from working. Although she has not done any farming, Gross has toured the suburban farm, calling it a sanctuary. It feels like a loving healing space," Gross said. "I’m so proud of (Ruiz) because she was suffering so much, and gardening is what helped her to heal, and now she’s passing that on. Such a beautiful thing."

— Jane Gross, F2H Food Baskets Participant

“Despite joining the team relatively recently, I can say with confidence that Dr. Ivette is a truly grounded and impassioned leader. In my role as a research assistant, Dr. Ivette spends a lot of time ensuring I am 100% clear on my tasks. She has been receptive to my needing visual aids to support my understanding, and is genuinely glad to answer any clarifying questions I may have. We have walked through assignments together step by step, complete with examples, and never fail to share lots of laughs and smiles along the way. Every time I get off a call with her, I feel inspired by her words and the passion that pours through her. Any frustration I was feeling with my tasks melts away, and I am reminded why I invest my time in volunteering for her.  It is evident she has a deep love for the farmers and trauma survivors she serves, and so too for her volunteers she so regularly appreciates and extends love to. In nearly every message I receive from her, she expresses gratitude for me and the efforts I put into my volunteer work. She notices hard work and always makes it a point to let me know it is seen and valued. Even when I do not complete the task to its ideal, she is very warm and gentle, yet clear in what needs to be changed. She often expresses how much she learns from me as a volunteer, and it really makes me feel she not only values the work I do for her, but values the whole of me. I hold Dr. Ivette in extremely high regard, and deeply admire her tireless pursuit of creating a more inclusive, and softer world for those whom society does not center. I truly believe she is on a divine mission and I feel so blessed to be a part of it.”

— Julia, Volunteer

“I came upon Healing By Growing Farms in search of an opportunity to engage in meaningful volunteer activities with plants, animals, and people. We share a long evolutionary history working together to adapt to a changing environment on Earth. Whatever background we come from, when we work together to grow food and flowers, to build shelters, and to care for other species, we re-affirm this fundamentally human aspect about ourselves - we all have the ability to adapt, to grow, and to heal. Farming should be a universal human right, but without advocates like Dr. Ruiz working to remove barriers, it is simply not accessible to all people. With a particular focus on brain injury and trauma communities, HBG is restoring balance by ensuring that this path remains open to everyone. HBG could not have a more spirited, innovative, or welcoming founder and leader. As a volunteer, I am so grateful to be learning about agriculture within an urban and equitable context with a founder that is deeply committed to this mission.”

— Anne, Volunteer

“At Healing By Growing Farms, I have not only been able to grow in my current role but also explore other areas of interest. The leadership team, especially Dr. Ivette Ruiz, encourages us to learn and step outside of our comfort zones — it’s been a transformative experience! Since joining Healing By Growing Farms, I’ve found a place that understands the importance of work-life wellness. With flexible hours and the opportunity to work from home, I feel trusted and valued as a volunteer and as an individual with a life outside work. What I love about working at Healing By Growing Farms is its commitment to diversity and inclusion. I feel heard, respected, and valued for my unique perspectives. This supportive environment has helped me bring my best self to work every day.  

At Healing By Growing Farms, opportunities are always knocking. I have had the chance to work on exciting projects and with inspiring people. The career development and learning opportunities here are boundless! I’m continuously impressed by the leadership at Healing By Growing Farms. They set clear expectations, provide valuable feedback, and always have time for their volunteers. It’s a pleasure working in an environment where the leaders walk the talk. The collaborative spirit at Healing By Growing Farms is unmatched. Working across teams, learning from diverse skill sets, and moving towards common goals has been a fantastic experience. It truly feels like a united community, not just a workplace. The values of Healing By Growing Farms aren't just words on a website and paper. They’re lived out daily by the people who work here. From sustainability initiatives to community outreach, it’s amazing to work for an organization that practices what it preaches.”

— Md. Sajal Hossain, Volunteer 

“This plot of CT land to dig in the dirt. For trauma survivors, it's a way to heal.”

— Patrick Skahill, Aired on NPR's Morning Edition, Here & Now and All Things Considered